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General Biology: A Tour of the Cell

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Termini in questo insieme (29)

  • What is the basic unit of life?
    The cell is the simplest collection of matter that can be alive and is the basic building block of all organisms.
  • Difference between light and electron microscopes
    Light microscopes use visible light and can distinguish cells but not organelles; electron microscopes use electron beams and can see smaller structures like organelles.
  • What is cell fractionation?
    A technique that separates cell components by spinning disrupted cells in a centrifuge, isolating organelles based on size and density.
  • Key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
    Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
  • What limits cell size?
    The surface area to volume ratio limits cell size because volume increases faster than surface area, affecting diffusion efficiency.
  • Function of the nucleus
    The nucleus houses most of the cell's genes and is enclosed by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope with pores for molecular traffic.
  • What are chromosomes?
    Chromosomes are discrete units of DNA and protein (chromatin) found in the nucleus, condensing into X shapes during cell division.
  • Role of the nucleolus
    The nucleolus synthesizes ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which forms ribosomes.
  • Components of the endomembrane system
    Includes the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vesicles, vacuoles, and plasma membrane.
  • Difference between rough and smooth ER
    Rough ER has ribosomes and synthesizes proteins; smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.
  • Function of ribosomes
    Ribosomes synthesize proteins; free ribosomes make cytosolic proteins, bound ribosomes make proteins for membranes or export.
  • Role of the Golgi apparatus
    Modifies, sorts, and ships proteins received from the ER; has a cis face (receiving) and trans face (shipping).
  • What are lysosomes?
    Membrane-bound sacs with enzymes that digest macromolecules and recycle damaged organelles via autophagy.
  • Functions of vacuoles
    Large vesicles for storage, waste disposal, water balance (contractile vacuoles), and growth (central vacuole in plants).
  • What are peroxisomes?
    Organelles that transfer hydrogen to oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide, which is then broken down by catalase.
  • Mitochondria function and structure
    Generate ATP through cellular respiration; have a double membrane with inner folds called cristae and a matrix inside.
  • Chloroplast function and structure
    Site of photosynthesis in plants; contain thylakoids stacked into grana within the stroma.
  • What is the endosymbiont theory?
    Theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from engulfed prokaryotic cells that became symbiotic within early eukaryotes.
  • Components of the cytoskeleton
    Microtubules, microfilaments (actin filaments), and intermediate filaments provide support, shape, and movement.
  • Role of motor proteins
    Interact with the cytoskeleton to produce movement, such as cilia and flagella beating or muscle contraction.
  • Structure and function of microtubules
    Hollow rods made of tubulin dimers; provide cell shape, support, and tracks for organelle movement.
  • What are centrosomes and centrioles?
    Centrosomes organize microtubules in animal cells; centrioles within centrosomes help form spindle fibers during cell division.
  • Structure of cilia and flagella
    Have a 9 + 2 arrangement of microtubule doublets around a central pair, anchored by a basal body.
  • How do cilia and flagella move?
    Dynein motor proteins 'walk' along microtubules, causing bending powered by ATP.
  • Microfilaments and their role in motility
    Made of actin, they support cell shape and enable movement like muscle contraction and cell crawling.
  • Function of intermediate filaments
    Provide mechanical strength and maintain organelle position; more permanent than other cytoskeletal fibers.
  • Functions of the plant cell wall
    Protects, maintains shape, prevents excess water uptake, and supports the plant; made of cellulose microfibrils.
  • What is the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
    A network outside animal cells made of glycoproteins like collagen; supports adhesion, movement, and signaling.
  • Types of intercellular junctions in animal cells
    Tight junctions (seal cells), desmosomes (anchor cells), and gap junctions (channels for communication).