Unit 1 Flashcards
(150 cards)
Why are cells the smallest units exhibiting life characteristics?
Because they are able to reproduce themselves by their own efforts
Why are Organelles are NOT the smallest units exhibiting the characteristics of life?
they are NOT able to reproduce themselves by their own efforts outside of the host cell. Has a specific function in a cell.
Why are Viruses are NOT the smallest units exhibiting the characteristics of life
Because they’re NOT able to reproduce themselves by their own efforts; they use the host reproductive machinery
Hooke made the _____, _____ refined it.
Light microscope,
Leeuwenhoek
1m = ____
10^10 A’s
Basic properties of cells (1 & 2 most basic)
- Life: Can grow and reproduce in culture for long periods
- Highly complex, regulated and organized. Cells of similar structure have conserved metabolic and compositional features that has been conserved over evolutionary time.
Basic properties of cells (3-10 )
- Posses a genetic program and means to use it
- Capable of producing more of themselves
- Acquire and utilize energy
- Carry out rxn’s. Sum of rxn’s called metabolism
- Engage in mechanical activities
- Able to respond to stimuli
- Capable of self-regulation
- They evolve
Two types cells and what distinguishes them
- Prokaryote (all bacteria)
- Eukaryote (protists, animals, plants, fungi)
* Distinguished by cell size and organelles present
In prokaryotes, DNA is
NOT segregated within a nucleus
In eukaryotes, DNA is
segregated within a defined nucleus
Prokaryotes contain a single
Membrane-limited compartment and nucleuoid
Nucleiod
(in prokaryotes) which is a single circular DNA molecule not surrounded by a membrane separating it from the cytoplasm.
Features common to prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Plasma membrane of similar construction
- Genetic information in DNA, using identical genetic code
- Both store chemical energy in the form of ATP
- Shared metabolic pathways (glycolysis, TCA cycle)
- Proteasomes (for protein degradation) of similar construction
Features of eukaryotic cells not found in prokaryotic cells
- Nuclear envelope, separating nucleus from cytoplasm
- Complex chromosomes that compact into mitotic structures
- Membrane-bound cytoplasmic organelles
- Cytoskeleton with associated motor proteins
Features of genetic material distinguishing eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells
- Packaging: Prokaryotes have a nucleoid region whereas
eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus. - Amount: Eukaryotes have much more genetic material
than prokaryotes. - Form: Eukaryotes have many chromosomes made of both DNA and protein (histones) whereas prokaryotes have a single, circular DNA with no histone proteins.
The Nucleus is surrounded by a
double membrane, called the nuclear envelope
The nucleus communicates with the cytosol via
Nuclear pores that perforate the envelope
Nuclear envelope consists of:
- 2x Concentric membranes (inner and outer) with perinuclear space in between.
- Nuclear lamina for structural support
- Nuclear pores with a central granule perforations in envelope.
What does the nuclear lamina do (function)
- Supports the nuclear envelope, composed of lamins.
Integrity of nuclear lamina regulated by
phosphorylation/dephosphorylation.
Human conditions Re: Nuclear lamina
- Lamin A/C mutation causes Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome
- Lamin B mutation causes leukodystrophy (loss of myelin)
– Mutations in lamin binding protein emerin cause Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (elbows, neck and heels become stiff, heart problems)
Mutations in emerin cause
Mutations in this lamin binding protein (emerin) cause Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (elbows, neck and heels become stiff, heart problems)
Emerin
Lamin binding protein
NPC stand for:
Nuclear pore complexes
NPC types of transport
- Passive diffusion (small molecules)
- Energy-dependent transport (proteins, mRNA, lamins and components of nucleus, importins)