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BGS BIO > Unit 1 AOS1 Cell Structure and Function > Flashcards

Unit 1 AOS1 Cell Structure and Function Flashcards

1
Q

What is the basic structural and functional unit of life?

A

The cell

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2
Q

What are the two main types of cells?

A

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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3
Q

What are the main characteristics of prokaryotic (bacteria, archaic) cells?

A

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They have a simple structure and are usually smaller than eukaryotic cells.

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4
Q

What are the main characteristics of eukaryotic cells?

A

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They have a complex structure and are usually larger than prokaryotic cells.

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5
Q

Name an example of a prokaryotic organism.

A

Bacteria.

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6
Q

Name an example of a eukaryotic organism.

A

Plants, animals, fungi, and protists (Algae).

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7
Q

What is the function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

A

The nucleus houses the cell’s DNA and controls the cell’s activities.

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8
Q

Do prokaryotic cells have DNA? If so, where is it located?

A

Yes, prokaryotic cells have DNA, but it is located in the nucleoid region, not enclosed by a membrane.

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9
Q

List three organelles found in eukaryotic cells but not in prokaryotic cells.

A

Nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum.

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10
Q

What is the function of mitochondria?

A

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration.

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11
Q

What structure do both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have that provides a barrier and regulates what enters and exits the cell?

A

The cell membrane (or plasma membrane).

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12
Q

Which type of cell typically has a cell wall, and what is its function?

A

Prokaryotic cells, as well as plant cells (a type of eukaryotic cell), typically have a cell wall. The cell wall provides structure and protection.

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13
Q

How do ribosomes differ in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller (70Svedbergs) compared to eukaryotic ribosomes (80Svedbergs). Both types are involved in protein synthesis.

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14
Q

What is the cytoplasm, and is it found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside the cell where organelles are suspended and chemical reactions occur. It is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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15
Q

What ratio is a critical factor in the limitations of cell size?

A

The surface area to volume ratio.

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16
Q

Why is a high surface area to volume ratio important for cells?

A

It allows for efficient exchange of materials (such as nutrients and waste) between the cell and its environment.

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17
Q

What happens to the surface area to volume ratio as a cell grows larger?

A

The surface area to volume ratio decreases.

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18
Q

What challenge does a low surface area to volume ratio present for larger cells?

A

It makes it difficult for the cell to exchange materials quickly enough to meet its metabolic needs.

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19
Q

How do cells overcome the limitations imposed by a low surface area to volume ratio?

A

Cells may divide to remain small or develop internal compartments (organelles) to enhance efficiency.

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20
Q

What are organelles?

A

Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

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21
Q

Why do eukaryotic cells have organelles?

A

Organelles compartmentalize cellular functions, allowing for increased efficiency and specialization within the cell.

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22
Q

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A

The ER synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER) and helps transport them within the cell.

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23
Q

How do small cell sizes benefit cellular function?

A

Small cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, facilitating faster and more efficient exchange of materials.

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24
Q

What role do microvilli play in cells?

A

Microvilli increase the surface area of the cell membrane, enhancing absorption and secretion functions. They are protruding fingerlike projections that come off the cell.

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25
How do lysosomes contribute to cellular efficiency?
Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris, helping maintain cellular health.
26
Why is compartmentalization within cells important?
Compartmentalization allows for different cellular processes to occur simultaneously and more efficiently within different organelles.
27
What is the advantage of having a nucleus in eukaryotic cells?
The nucleus houses DNA and coordinates activities like growth, metabolism, and reproduction, providing a central control center for the cell.
28
How does the Golgi apparatus contribute to cellular function?
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport to their destinations.
29
What is the relationship between cell size and metabolic efficiency?
Smaller cells tend to be more metabolically efficient due to their higher surface area to volume ratio, which facilitates faster material exchange.
30
How does the surface area to volume ratio affect cell communication and signal transduction?
A higher surface area to volume ratio improves the cell's ability to communicate and respond to signals quickly and effectively.
31
What is the primary function of chloroplasts in plant cells?
Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
32
What is the unique structural feature of chloroplasts that aids in their function?
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy, and have a double membrane structure with internal thylakoid membranes.
33
Describe the structure of mitochondria that supports its function.
Mitochondria have a double membrane; the inner membrane is folded into cristae to increase surface area for quicker, more efficient ATP production.
34
What role do ribosomes play in both plant and animal cells?
Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, where amino acids are assembled into proteins based on genetic instructions.
35
How does the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) differ in its functions?
The rough ER is involved in protein synthesis and modification, while the smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies certain chemicals.
36
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in cells?
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport to their destinations.
37
How do lysosomes contribute to cellular function in animal cells?
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.
38
What is the role of the central vacuole in plant cells?
The central vacuole stores nutrients and waste products, helps maintain turgor pressure, and plays a role in plant cell growth.
39
What is turgor pressure?
Turgor pressure is the force within the cell that pushes the plasma membrane against the cell wall. Makes plant tissue rigid.
40
Describe the function of peroxisomes in cells.
Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances, such as hydrogen peroxide.
41
What is are peroxisomes?
Peroxisomes are small, membrane-enclosed organelles that contain enzymes involved in a variety of metabolic reactions.
42
What is the function of the cytoskeleton in both plant and animal cells?
The cytoskeleton provides structural support, aids in cell movement, and helps transport materials within the cell.
43
How are the structures of plant and animal cells similar?
Both plant and animal cells have a nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and ribosomes.
44
How are the structures of plant and animal cells different?
Plant cells have chloroplasts, a cell wall, and a central vacuole. Animal cells have lysosomes and centrioles.
45
What is the function of the nucleolus within the nucleus?
The nucleolus is responsible for producing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembling ribosomes.
46
What's RNA?
Type of nucleic acid. RNA carries genetic information that is translated by ribosomes into various proteins.
47
How do centrioles contribute to cell division in animal cells?
Centrioles help organize the microtubules that separate chromosomes during cell division.
48
What specialized structure do plant cells have for converting light energy into chemical energy?
Chloroplasts.
49
What is the main difference between the roles of mitochondria and chloroplasts?
Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration, while chloroplasts generate glucose through photosynthesis.
50
Define cellular respiration.
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells derive energy from glucose.
51
In which types of cells are chloroplasts found?
Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and some protists.
52
What is the primary structure that defines the boundary of a cell?
The plasma membrane (or cell membrane).
53
What is the main structural component of the plasma membrane?
The phospholipid bilayer.
54
What is the phospholipid bilayer?
The phospholipid bilayer is two layers of phospholipids that make up the cell or plasma membrane.
55
What are the two distinct regions of a phospholipid molecule?
The hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and the hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail.
56
How does the structure of the phospholipid bilayer affect its permeability (allowing liquids or gases to pass through it)?
The hydrophobic interior of the bilayer prevents the free passage of hydrophilic substances while allowing hydrophobic molecules to pass through more easily.
57
What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
58
What is facilitated diffusion?
Facilitated diffusion is the passive transport of substances across the plasma membrane via specific transport proteins.
59
How do transport proteins assist in facilitated diffusion?
Transport proteins provide pathways for hydrophilic substances to pass through the hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane.
60
What is active transport?
Active transport is the movement of substances across the plasma membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy in the form of ATP.
61
Name a key protein involved in active transport.
The sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump).
62
What is the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump)?
Na+/K+-pump is an electrogenic transmembrane ATPase located in the outer plasma membrane of cells. The Na+/K+-ATPase pumps 3 sodium ions out of cells while pumping 2 potassium ions into cells. Both cations move against their concentration gradients through use of one ATP.
63
How do channel proteins function in the plasma membrane?
Channel proteins create hydrophilic pathways that allow specific ions or molecules to move across the membrane via facilitated diffusion.
64
What is the role of carrier proteins in the plasma membrane?
Carrier proteins bind to specific molecules and change shape to shuttle them across the membrane in facilitated diffusion or active transport.
65
How do hydrophobic substances typically cross the plasma membrane?
Hydrophobic substances can dissolve in the lipid bilayer and pass through the membrane via simple diffusion.
66
What is endocytosis?
Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf external substances, bringing them into the cell within vesicles.
67
Why is the plasma membrane described as selectively permeable?
The plasma membrane allows some substances to pass through while restricting others, based on size, charge, and solubility.
68
What is exocytosis?
Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel substances by merging vesicles with the plasma membrane.
69
How does the fluid mosaic model describe the plasma membrane?
The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane as a flexible layer made of lipid molecules interspersed with proteins, allowing lateral movement of components.
70
What is the function of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?
Cholesterol stabilizes the membrane's fluidity and provides structural integrity.
71
What are aquaporins?
Aquaporins are channel proteins that allow rapid and selective passage of water molecules through the membrane.
72
What is the difference between passive and active transport?
Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.
73
Give an example of a substance that uses facilitated diffusion to cross the plasma membrane.
Glucose uses facilitated diffusion through glucose transporters.
74
Prokaryotic ribosomes are..?
70 Svedbergs
75
Eukaryotic ribosomes are...?
80 Svedbergs

BGS BIO (2 decks)

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