Introduction to the Living Cell Flashcards Preview

Fundamentals of the Living Cell > Introduction to the Living Cell > Flashcards

Flashcards in Introduction to the Living Cell Deck (10)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What is a cell?

A

Cells are the fundamental unit of all living thing on earth. They take nutrients and free energy from their surroundings and duplicate. All cells arise from the division of pre-existing cells.

2
Q

What is the history of cell discovery?

A
  • Origin of the word “cells” was by Robert Hooke (1665), after observing slices of cork under a microscope, calling the holes “cells” as they resemble the small rooms of Monks.
  • Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was first to see and describe single-celled microorganism, calling them “animalcules”. He observed algae growth in water using a microscope with better lens he made himself. First to observe RBCs, sperm, protozoa and bacteria.
3
Q

How was cell division discovered?

A
  • Theodor Schwann (studied animals) and Matthias Jakob Schleiden (studied plants) came to the conclusion “All living things are composed of cells and cell products.”
  • Hugo van Mohl discovered cell division, but Barthélémy du Mortier proceeded him as he observed mid-like partition b/w original and new cells.
  • Rudolf Virchow was given credit for “omnis cellula e cellula” (“cells are created through division of pre-existing cells”). Doesn’t credit Robert Remak for stating “binary fission was the means of reproduction of new animal cells”.
4
Q

Define Taxonomy

A

Taxonomy – Discipline of defining groups of biological organisms based on shared characteristics

5
Q

Define Phylogenetics

A

Phylogenetics – The study of evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms

6
Q

What are the universal features of cells on earth?

A
  • Phospholipid bilayer
  • Exchanging molecules with their environment
  • Heredity info stored in DNA
  • DNA fragment corresponding to a single protein = a gene
  • Translate RNA into protein in the same way
  • Cells are made from the same basic building blocks
  • Sunlight is the ultimate source of most biological energy
  • Role of ATP as the main energy currency (in metabolism)
  • “Life is a pattern of flux”
  • Homeostasis
7
Q

Explain the meaning of ‘Life is a pattern in flux’

A
  • Cells divide and cells die. Rudolf Schoenheimer discovered molecules in our body are almost continuously being replaced, i..e they have a turnover rate (e.g. water). Some tissues have a higher turnover rate than others, for example the gastrointestinal lining (5 days), compared to red blood cells (120 days), compared to cerebral cortex (close to persons age).
  • 98% of human body is replaced in one year.
8
Q

What is the exception to the ‘Life is a patter in flux’ rule?

A

The exception is DNA. It is conserved (semi-conservative replication).

9
Q

What is compartmentalisation?

A

Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalized, in other words, they have many organelles performing specific functions which have plasma membranes surrounding them. Prokaryotes do not have this.

10
Q

What are the 3 major domains of a cell?

A

The three major domains of cells, which evolved in the following order are:
• Bacteria (Eubacteria) — Archaea (Archaebacteria) — Eukaryotes