Cells are small because surface area must be large enough relative to volume to allow efficient nutrient uptake and waste disposal by diffusion.
What are the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, are smaller, and have less DNA. Eukaryotes have a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and larger genomes.
What is the function of the nucleus?
The nucleus stores genetic information (DNA), controls cell activities, and is separated from cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope with pores regulating material exchange.
What are ribosomes and their function?
Ribosomes are RNA-protein particles that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA instructions from DNA.
What is the endomembrane system?
A group of membranous organelles including the ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vesicles that manufacture, distribute, and break down molecules.
Difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?
Rough ER has ribosomes and synthesizes proteins; smooth ER lacks ribosomes and synthesizes lipids, stores calcium, and detoxifies substances.
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?
The Golgi modifies, sorts, and ships proteins and lipids received from the rough ER to their destinations.
What are lysosomes and their function?
Lysosomes are animal cell organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down food, waste, and damaged organelles.
What is the function of mitochondria?
Mitochondria perform cellular respiration, converting glucose and oxygen into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts conduct photosynthesis, converting solar energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.
What is the cytoskeleton and its functions?
A network of fibers (microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules) that maintain cell shape, enable movement, and organize organelles.
What are cilia and flagella?
Locomotor appendages made of microtubules that protrude from cells and move by bending.
What is the plasma membrane composed of?
A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins and carbohydrates, acting as a selectively permeable barrier.
What does 'fluid mosaic model' mean?
The membrane is a fluid bilayer of lipids with proteins embedded, allowing lateral movement and dynamic function.
How does cholesterol affect membrane fluidity?
Cholesterol stabilizes membrane fluidity by reducing it at high temperatures and preventing tight packing at low temperatures.
What are the types of membrane proteins?
Peripheral proteins (surface-bound) and integral proteins (embedded), including transmembrane proteins that span the membrane.
What is passive transport?
Movement of substances across membranes without energy, including simple diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.
What is active transport?
Energy-requiring movement of substances against their concentration gradient, often using membrane proteins.
What is osmosis?
The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from low to high solute concentration.
What is the sodium-potassium pump?
A primary active transport protein that moves Na+ out and K+ into cells using ATP, essential for nerve and muscle function.
What are exocytosis and endocytosis?
Exocytosis expels large molecules via vesicles; endocytosis brings large molecules into the cell by vesicle formation.
How do plant and animal cells differ in organelles?
Plant cells have chloroplasts, cell walls, and central vacuoles; animal cells have lysosomes and centrioles.
What is the function of the cell wall in plants?
Provides rigid structural support and protection, made mainly of cellulose.
What are intercellular junctions in animal cells?
Tight junctions (seal cells), anchoring junctions (link cells), and gap junctions (allow communication).
Why is surface area important for cells?
Large surface area relative to volume allows efficient diffusion of nutrients and wastes.
What molecules easily cross the lipid bilayer?
Small nonpolar molecules like O2 and CO2 cross easily; large, polar, or charged molecules require transport proteins.