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General Biology: Cell Structure and Function

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Termini in questo insieme (21)

  • Surface to volume ratio in cells
    Surface to volume ratio limits cell size because volume increases faster than surface area, reducing nutrient exchange efficiency and causing cells to divide.
  • Basic features of all cells
    All cells have a plasma membrane, cytosol, chromosomes (genetic material), and ribosomes (protein factories).
  • Plasma membrane structure
    The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with hydrophobic centers and hydrophilic surfaces, containing embedded proteins and glycoproteins.
  • Difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
    Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus; DNA is concentrated in one area. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus enclosed by a double membrane.
  • Nucleus function
    The nucleus protects chromosomes within a double phospholipid bilayer and organizes genetic material wrapped around histone proteins.
  • Ribosomes role
    Ribosomes synthesize proteins; they can be free in the cytosol or bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
  • Endomembrane system components
    Includes plasma membrane, nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vacuoles, connected by membrane-bound vesicles.
  • Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)
    Rough ER has ribosomes and functions in protein synthesis, membrane production, and enzyme synthesis.
  • Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)
    Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and functions in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, detoxification, and calcium storage.
  • Golgi apparatus function
    The Golgi apparatus modifies, processes, stores, and ships proteins and lipids received from the ER via vesicles.
  • Lysosomes function
    Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down food, unwanted materials, and cellular debris.
  • Vacuoles in plant cells
    Plant cells have a large central vacuole for storing water, potassium, and chloride; vacuoles generally serve as storage centers.
  • Mitochondria function
    Mitochondria perform cellular respiration, converting oxygen and food into ATP, the cell's usable energy.
  • Chloroplasts function
    Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight into simple sugars for food energy.
  • Origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts
    Both organelles originated from independent prokaryotic cells engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells, becoming permanent symbionts.
  • Cytoskeleton functions
    The cytoskeleton organizes the cell, maintains shape, and moves materials; it consists of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
  • Microtubules
    Hollow tubes made of tubulin; involved in cell shape, motility, organelle movement, and chromosome separation during cell division.
  • Microfilaments (Actin filaments)
    Thin fibers made of actin; support cell shape, muscle contraction, cell motility, cytoplasmic streaming, and cell division.
  • Intermediate filaments
    Fibers made mainly of keratin; provide structural support, anchor organelles, bear tension, and maintain cell shape.
  • Cell junctions in plants
    Plasmodesmata are channels spanning cell walls and membranes, allowing communication and material exchange between plant cells.
  • Cell junctions in animals
    Include tight junctions (seal cells), desmosomes (anchor cells), and gap junctions (channels for communication and material exchange).