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Cell Biology Key Concepts

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Terms in this set (21)

  • What is the cell theory?

    The cell theory states that all living organisms are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

  • How do microscopes help study biological samples?

    Microscopes magnify biological samples to reveal structures not visible to the naked eye, enabling detailed study of cells and organisms.

  • Compare eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

    Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and have no membrane-bound organelles.

  • Name key components of eukaryotic cells.

    Nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, cytoskeleton, plasma membrane, and in plants, chloroplasts and cell wall.

  • Name key components of prokaryotic cells.

    Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, nucleoid region, cell wall, and sometimes flagella or pili.

  • What are the main differences between animal and plant cells?

    Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuole; animal cells lack these but have centrioles and lysosomes.

  • What is the function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

    The nucleus stores genetic material (DNA) and controls cell activities by regulating gene expression.

  • Describe the endomembrane system components.

    Includes the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vesicles, and plasma membrane, coordinating protein and lipid transport.

  • What is the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

    The RER synthesizes and processes proteins destined for membranes or secretion.

  • What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

    The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport within or outside the cell.

  • Describe the cytoskeleton and its three fiber types.

    The cytoskeleton provides structural support and movement; it includes microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

  • What is the function of microfilaments?

    Microfilaments support cell shape and enable movement like muscle contraction and cell division.

  • What role do intermediate filaments play?

    Intermediate filaments provide mechanical strength and help maintain cell integrity.

  • What are microtubules responsible for?

    Microtubules maintain cell shape, enable intracellular transport, and form structures like cilia and flagella.

  • What is the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

    The ECM is a network of proteins and polysaccharides outside cells that provides structural support and mediates cell communication.

  • Name primary components of the extracellular matrix.

    Collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins are key ECM components.

  • What are intercellular junctions in animal cells?

    Types include tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions, which connect cells and facilitate communication.

  • Describe plasmodesmata in plant cells.

    Plasmodesmata are channels that connect plant cells, allowing transport and communication between them.

  • How do tight junctions function in animal cells?

    Tight junctions seal adjacent cells to prevent leakage of molecules between them.

  • What is the role of desmosomes?

    Desmosomes anchor cells together, providing mechanical strength to tissues.

  • What function do gap junctions serve?

    Gap junctions allow direct cytoplasmic exchange of ions and small molecules between animal cells.