UNIT 2, Topic 2A & 2B - Cells Flashcards
Function of the cytoskeleton
Network of protein fibres - provides strength/ shape
What is the nucleolus?
(Concentrated area inside nucleus) Composed of protein and RNA, involved in ribosome production
Function of the vacuole
Vesicle that provides storage of water and other minerals (like cell sap, weak solution of sugars and salts dissolved) - surrounded by a membrane called tonoplast. Maintains cell’s pressure so to not wilt and be rigid.
- Also involved in isolation of unwanted chemicals
Function (and description) of the nucleus
Double membrane organelle as surrounded by a nuclear envelope, with nuclear pores. CONTAINS CHROMOSOMES (protein bound linear DNA held by histones). Controls cell activity and DNA that has instructions for protein synthesis. Pores allow substances to move into or out the cytoplasm, like RNA.
- CONTAINS CHROMATIN (mix of DNA and proteins that makes chromosomes)
What is a plasmodesma?
A structure in (plant) cell walls; a channel allows molecules and substances to move back and forth as needed. Additionally, they also create junctions from cell to cell,
allowing numerous cells to work together towards a common goal.
How is algae different to plant cells?
They can be unicellular (Chlorella) or multicellular (seaweed), plants tend to have many cells.
How do fungal cells differ to plant cells?
- dont photosynthesise or have chloroplasts
- cell walls made of chitin, not cellulose
Function of cell wall
Supports and prevents cell from changing shape (remains turgid)
Function of cell surface membrane
Regulates movement of substances in and out of cell. Has receptor molecules on it, allows to respond to chemicals like hormones.
What is the cell membrane made of?
Mainly lipids and proteins
Describe the structure of mitochondria and their related function
Double membrane, one is folded into structures called cristae. Inside this, there is the matrix WHICH contains enzymes involved in respiration.
- produce ATP from aerobic (cellular) resp. Usually a lot of them in active cells.
Describe the (ultra)structure of chloroplasts
Small flattened structure (see drawn notes). Double membrane. Thylakoid membranes stacked up to form grana. Thin, flat pieces of thylakoid membranes join the grana- these are called lamellae.
How structure of chloroplasts links to function
Where photosynth. happens.
Some of it happens in the grana or in stroma.
Golgi body and RER both process substances. What is the difference between them?
Golgi body processes and packages new LIPIDS and proteins. Rough ER processes and FOLDS only proteins.
Structure and function of golgi body?
Group of fluid filled, membrane bound flattened sacs.
- vesicles
Processes and packages new lipids and proteins. Makes lysosomes.
Structure and function of golgi vesicles
Small fluid filled sacs in cytoplasm, membrane bound, produced by golgi apparatus.
- STORES lipids and proteins made by the golgi apparatus and transports out cell via cell surface membrane (exocytosis).
Structure and function of ribosomes
Floats freely in cytoplasm, attached to RER. Made up of RNA and protein. NO MEMBRANE.
The site where protein synthesis
Structure and function of lysosomes
Round organelle with membrane. Type of golgi vesicle, no clear structure.
Contains digestive enzymes: lysosomes. Kept separate from cytoplasm by membrane, and can be used to digest invading cells or break down worn out components of the cell.
- used in phagocytosis.
3 L’s of light (optical) microscopes
Light microscope
Longer wavelength (of light)
Lower resolution and magnification
- electron microscope has higher resolution due to the electrons being fired having a shorter wavelength.
Disadvantage of electron microscopes and light microscopes
Electron: specimen must be dead, electrons may damage sample, black and white
Light: lower resolution so can’t see organelles in detail
Describe how to prepare a microscope slide for light microscope (any specimen)
- explain why each step must be done.
- A temporary/ wet mount can first be produced; pipette a small drop of water onto the slide
- sample held in place by surface tension and also won’t dry out. - Using tweezers, place a thin section of specimen (one cell layer thick so light can pass through) onto droplet
- Add a drop of stain - stains cling to organelles and highlights them
- Slowly lower cover slip at an angle to reduce appearance of bubbles
What is a temporary (wet) mount?
- dry mounts also exist
Where a specimen is suspended in a drop of liquid (oil or water) on a microscope slide (either glass or plastic)
- they’re temporary and can’t be stored fo very long, good for looking at organisms that live in water
When preparing a microscope slide for an optical microscope, suggest what stain could be used for animal cells and plant cells
Animal: eosin solution/ stain
Plant: iodine solution
- Consider if the stains may be hazardous
2 types of electron microscopes
SEM (scanning) and TEM (transmission)