T2: Cells Flashcards
Define the term eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell.
eukaryotic: DNA is contained in a nucleus; membrane bound specialised organelles
prokaryotic: DNA is ‘ free ‘ in cytoplasm, no organelles e.g. bacteria & archaea
Describe the structure and function of the cell membrane.
structure: phospholipid bilayer with extrinsic and intrinsic proteins embedded function:
- isolates cytoplasm from extracellular environment
- selectively permeable to reguglate transport of substances
- involved in cell recognition
Explain the role of cholesterol, glycoproteins & glycolipids in the cell surface membrane
cholesterol: steroid molecule connects phospholipids & reduces fluidity
glycoproteins: cell signalling, cell recognition ( antigens) & binding cell together
glycolipids: cell signalling & cell recognition
Describe the structure of the nucleus
- surrounded by nuclear envelope , a semi-permeable double membrane with pores
- nuclear pores allow substances to enter/exit
- dense nucleolus made of RNA & proteins assembles ribosomes
- the nucleoplasm ( equivalent of cytoplasm that exists in the nucleus.)
Describe the function of the nucleus.
draw it
- contains DNA / genetic info
- site of transcription producing mrna
- site of DNA replication
Describe the structure of a mitochondrion.
- surrounded by double membrane
- folded inner membrane forms cristae which is the site of electron transport chain
- fluid matrix: contains mitochondrial DNA, respiratory enzymes, lipids, proteins
Describe the structure of a chloroplast and how its structure relates to its function. (4)
draw it
**- Starch grains / lipid droplets store products of photosynthesis;
**
- double membrane - provides large surface for light absorption.
- Thylakoids: flattened discs stack to form grana; contain photosystems with chlorophyll.
- Intergranal lamellae: tubes attach thylakoids in adjacent grana.
- Stroma: fluid-filled matrix.- vesicular plastid
**- Permeable membrane allows diffusion of gases /carbon dioxide;
**- Stacking / arrangement of grana/thylakoids maximises light catchment
**
State the function of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
mitochondria : site of aerobic respiration to produce ATP
chloroplasts: site of photosynthesis to convert solar energy to chemical energy
Describe the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus
- series of flat membrane-bound sacs
function: - proteins transported from RER to golgi apparatus via vesicles and fuse with cis face
- modifies & packages proteins for export
- at transface, , golgi vesicles bud off fuse with cell membrane releasing their contents by exocytosis.
Describe how lactose is formed and where in the cell it would be attached to a polypeptide to form a glycoprotein (3)
- Glucose and galactose;
- Joined by condensation (reaction);
- Joined by glycosidic bond;
- Added to polypeptide in Golgi (apparatus)
describe the structure and function of a lysosome
- membrane bound
- contains hydrolytic enzymes
- acidic environment
- involved in cell death and digestion
describe the structure and function of a ribosome
- formed of rRNA+ protein
- site of protein synthesis via translation
large subunit: joins amino acids
small subunit: contains mRNA binding site
describe the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
structure : network of cisternae and flattened sacs .
rough ER: ribosomes on suface synthesise proteins. Proteins transported inside RER. Proteins packaged into vesicles for transport
smooth ER: Involved in the production, processing and storage of lipids, E.g steroids + cholesterol
Describe the general structure of prokaryotic cells
Describe the structure of the cell wall in plants and bacteria
- bacteria: made of the polysaccharide murein
- plants: made of cellulose
state three functions of the cell walls
- mechanical strength and support
- physical barrier against pathogens
- part of apoplast pathway (plants) to enable easy diffusion of water
Describe the structure and function of the cell vacuole in plants.
structure:
- surrounded by a single membrane: tonoplast
- contains cell sap : mineral ions, water, enzymes , soluble pigments
function:
- controls turgor pressure
- absorbs and isolates toxic substances
Describe and explain features you would expect to find in a cell specialised for absorption. (5)
- Folded membrane/microvilli so large surface area (for absorption);
- Large number of co-transport/carrier/channel proteins so fast rate (of absorption) / for active transport
/ facilitated diffusion; - Large number of mitochondria so make (more) ATP (for aerobic respiration) to release energy for active transport;
- Membrane-bound (digestive) enzymes so maintains
concentration gradient (for fast absorption);
Accept named examples of digestive enzymes.
State the role of plasmids in prokaryotes
- small ring of DNA that carries non-essential genes
State the role of flagella in prokaryotes
- rotating tail propels ( usually unicellular) organism
state the role of the capsule in prokaryotes
give 3
- a polysaccharide layer:
- prevents desiccation
- provides mechanical protection against phagocytosis & external chemicals
- attaches the cell to surfaces
Give three structural properties shared by eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
similar structures
- cell membrane
- cytoplasm
- ribosomes
Contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
- EC smaller and always unicellular, vs larger and often multicellular.
- PC lack membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus, vs membrane-bound organelles and a distinct nucleus.
- PC have circular DNA that is not associated with proteins, vs linear chromosomes associated with histone proteins.
- Prokaryotic cells reproduce by binary fission, which is asexual, whereas eukaryotic cells reproduce by mitosis and meiosis.
- Prokaryotic cells have cell walls made of murein (peptidoglycan), while eukaryotic plant cells have cell walls made of cellulose and fungi have cell walls made of chitin.
Give4 reasons why are viruses referred to as ‘ particles’ instead of cells?
- acellular & non-living
- no cytoplasm
- can’t self-reproduce
- no metabolism