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General Biology: Cell Structure and Function

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Terms in this set (24)

  • Why are cells considered the basic unit of life?
    Cells are the smallest units that can carry out all life processes, making them the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms.
  • List the tenets of the cell theory.
    • All living things are made of cells.
    • Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms.
    • All cells come from pre-existing cells.
  • How does surface-area-to-volume ratio affect cell size?
    Smaller cells have a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, allowing more efficient exchange of materials with the environment compared to larger cells.
  • What are the key sub-themes of microscopy?
    Magnification, resolution, and contrast are essential for observing cellular structures clearly under a microscope.
  • Compare prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and archaeans in terms of evolutionary relatedness.
    Prokaryotes include bacteria and archaeans; archaeans are more closely related to eukaryotes than to bacteria, reflecting evolutionary divergence.
  • What are the fundamental components of a bacterial cell?
    A bacterial cell includes a plasma membrane, cell wall, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and genetic material, but lacks membrane-bound organelles.
  • How do membranes compartmentalize a cell?
    Membranes create distinct internal environments by enclosing organelles, allowing specialized functions within the cell.
  • How do organelles divide cellular work?
    Organelles perform specific tasks such as energy production, protein synthesis, and waste processing, enabling efficient cell function.
  • What is the endosymbiosis theory in relation to eukaryotic cells?
    It proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from ancient bacteria engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells, forming a symbiotic relationship.
  • Describe the structure and function of the nucleus.
    The nucleus is a double-membrane organelle that stores DNA and controls gene expression and cell activities.
  • Explain the flow of information from DNA to protein.
    DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated by ribosomes into proteins.
  • What role do ribosomes play in protein synthesis?
    Ribosomes read mRNA sequences to assemble amino acids into polypeptides, forming proteins.
  • Why is the endomembrane system important in cells?
    It coordinates the synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids within the cell.
  • How do ER, Golgi, and lysosome membranes differ?
    The ER synthesizes proteins and lipids, the Golgi modifies and sorts them, and lysosomes contain enzymes for digestion.
  • How do endomembrane vesicles fuse with organelles?
    Vesicles use membrane recognition and fusion proteins to merge with target organelles, delivering their contents.
  • What are the roles of peroxisomes and vacuoles in cells?
    Peroxisomes detoxify harmful substances and metabolize fatty acids; vacuoles store nutrients and waste, maintaining cell turgor.
  • How do peroxisomes and vacuoles differ from endomembrane organelles?
    Peroxisomes and vacuoles are not part of the endomembrane system and have distinct functions and biogenesis.
  • Compare energy management in cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
    Cellular respiration converts glucose to ATP using oxygen; photosynthesis converts light energy into glucose and oxygen.
  • What evidence supports the bacterial origin of chloroplasts and mitochondria?
    They have double membranes, their own DNA, and reproduce independently, consistent with ancient bacterial ancestors.
  • Why is increased membrane surface area important in chloroplasts and mitochondria?
    More membrane surface area allows for more space for proteins and enzymes involved in energy conversion processes.
  • What are mitochondrial diseases?
    Genetic disorders caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA affecting energy production.
  • Compare actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
    Actin filaments support cell shape and movement; intermediate filaments provide mechanical strength; microtubules organize cell structure and transport.
  • How do motor molecules interact with the cytoskeleton?
    Motor proteins like kinesin and dynein move along cytoskeletal filaments to transport organelles and vesicles.
  • What are the roles of microtubules, centrioles, cilia, and flagella?
    Microtubules form the cytoskeleton; centrioles organize microtubules during cell division; cilia and flagella enable cell movement.