Chapter 6: Cells and Endomembrane System Flashcards
What does the term ‘Permeable’ refer to in cell biology?
A property that allows substances to pass through a membrane freely.
This concept is crucial for understanding how materials move in and out of cells.
What is ‘Selective Permeability’?
The ability of a cell membrane to regulate the passage of substances, allowing some to enter while blocking others.
This mechanism is vital for maintaining homeostasis within the cell.
What is ‘Cytoplasm’?
The jelly-like fluid inside a cell that contains organelles and is the site for many cellular processes.
It is distinct from the nucleus and plays a critical role in cellular metabolism.
What is the function of the ‘Nuclear Membrane’?
It encases the nucleus and regulates the passage of materials in and out of the nucleus.
This structure is essential for protecting genetic material.
What are ‘Nuclear pores’?
Protein complexes that allow the transport of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
They are crucial for the exchange of RNA and proteins.
What is the role of the ‘Golgi Apparatus’?
It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
Often referred to as the cell’s ‘post office’.
What is the ‘Cis-face’ of the Golgi Apparatus?
The side of the Golgi apparatus that receives vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum.
It is involved in the initial processing of proteins.
What is the ‘Trans-face’ of the Golgi Apparatus?
The side of the Golgi apparatus that ships out processed proteins and lipids.
It is the exit side where materials are sent to their final destinations.
What is the ‘Endoplasmic Reticulum’?
An organelle that plays a key role in the synthesis of proteins and lipids.
It is divided into rough ER (with ribosomes) and smooth ER (without ribosomes).
What is ‘Rough ER’?
The portion of the endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.
It is essential for producing proteins that are secreted from the cell.
What is ‘Smooth ER’?
The part of the endoplasmic reticulum that is not associated with ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.
It plays a role in metabolic processes.
What is ‘Endocytosis’?
The process by which cells internalize substances from their external environment.
This is a key mechanism for nutrient uptake and cellular communication.
What is ‘Exocytosis’?
The process of exporting materials from a cell through vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane.
This process is essential for releasing hormones and neurotransmitters.
What are ‘Ribosomes’?
Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.
They can be found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER.
What is the central dogma of biology?
The framework explaining the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.
It emphasizes the roles of transcription and translation.
What are the major similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Both have cell membranes, ribosomes, and genetic material (DNA).
These similarities reflect common functions necessary for life.
What are the major differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
- Prokaryotes: Unicellular, no nucleus
- Eukaryotes: Uni/Multicellular, nucleus
This distinction is fundamental in biology.
What are the major similarities between plant and animal cells?
Both have cell membranes, cytoplasm, and organelles like mitochondria.
They share many cellular processes despite their differences.
What are the major differences between plant and animal cells?
- Plant cells: Cell wall, chloroplasts, large central vacuole
- Animal cells: No cell wall, no chloroplasts, smaller vacuoles
These differences are critical for their respective functions.
What is cell fractionation?
A laboratory technique used to separate cellular components based on their size and density.
It allows for the study of individual organelles.
Name two organisms best studied using light microscopy.
- Bacteria
- Plant cells
Light microscopy is suitable for observing larger, less detailed structures.
Name two organisms best studied using electron microscopy.
- Viruses
- Cellular organelles
Electron microscopy provides higher resolution images for detailed structures.
How does a centrifuge allow the separation of cellular components?
By spinning samples at high speeds, creating a force that separates components based on density.
This technique is fundamental in cell biology for isolating organelles.
Name a disorder that might result from faulty organelles.
Mitochondrial disease
Faulty mitochondria can lead to energy production issues in cells.
