Unit 1: 1.1-1.2 Cells and Organelles Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the function of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell?
It contains genetic information and controls/regulates metabolic cell activity.
What is the role of mitochondria in animal cells?
They are the site of aerobic respiration, releasing energy for the cell.
How does the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function?
It synthesises and transports proteins; it has ribosomes attached.
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
It modifies newly made proteins and packages them into vesicles.
What is the equation for calculating magnification?
Magnification = Image size / Actual size
Name three organelles found in plant cells but not in animal cells.
Chloroplasts, cell wall, and amyloplasts.
What is the function of the vacuole in plant cells?
It maintains turgor pressure to ensure the cell is rigid.
What is the role of chloroplasts?
They are the site of photosynthesis, using light energy to convert Carbon Dioxide and Water into Glucose and Oxygen.
What is the function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?
They enable transport and communication between individual plant cells.
What is the tonoplast?
A selectively permeable membrane that surrounds the vacuole.
What is the nucleoid in a prokaryotic cell?
An irregularly shaped region containing the cell’s circular DNA.
What is the function of plasmids in bacteria?
They carry genes that may benefit the survival of the organism. e.g. antibiotic resistance
How do Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria differ in cell wall structure?
Gram-positive bacteria have thick peptidoglycan walls; Gram-negative have thinner walls and two lipid membranes.
What is the function of the capsule in some bacteria?
It protects the cell and prevents desiccation.
What is the role of mesosomes in prokaryotic cells?
They are involved in DNA replication and cell division.
Why do electron microscopes show more detail than light microscopes?
They have higher resolution due to shorter wavelengths of electrons.
What does a purple stain in a Gram stain indicate?
The presence of Gram-positive bacteria.
What does a pink stain in a Gram stain indicate?
The presence of Gram-negative bacteria.
What is the function of the flagellum in bacteria?
It helps the organism move and can act as a sensory organ.
What is the purpose of the Gram stain technique?
To differentiate bacteria based on their cell wall structure for appropriate antibiotic treatment.
What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
They are the site of protein synthesis.
What is the role of lysosomes?
They contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.
What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?
It synthesises lipids and detoxifies certain chemicals.
What is the function of the cytoskeleton?
It provides structural support for the cell and aids in cell movement.
