Untitled Flashcards Set

Four overlapping stages of the origin of living cells

1. Formation of organic molecules, 2. Formation of organic polymers, 3. Enclosure of polymers within membranes, 4. Evolution of cellular characteristics.

Types of Microscopes

Light Microscope: Lower resolution, uses light; Electron Microscopes (TEM & SEM): Higher resolution, uses electron beams.

Key parameters in microscopy

Resolution, Contrast, and Magnification.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple cells without a nucleus, found in bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic Cells

Complex cells that have a nucleus and organelles.

Factors influencing cell size and shape

Influenced by the surface area-to-volume ratio.

Cytosol

Site of metabolism, protein synthesis, and molecular breakdown; contains the cytoskeleton.

Function of the Nucleus

Stores genetic material (DNA) and controls gene expression.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

Involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Function of Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and ships proteins.

Lysosomes

Organelles that break down waste and macromolecules.

Role of Vacuoles in plant cells

Storage and structural support, often large in plants.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that detoxify harmful substances.

Mitochondria

Semiautonomous organelles that produce ATP (cellular energy).

Chloroplasts

Semiautonomous organelles that conduct photosynthesis in plants.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from ancient bacteria.

Cotranslational Sorting

Proteins sorted while being synthesized.

Post-translational Sorting

Proteins sorted after their synthesis.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in animals

Provides structure, support, and signaling.

Plant Cell Walls

Strong and rigid structures that provide mechanical support.

Four interacting systems of eukaryotes

Nucleus, Cytosol, Endomembrane system, Semiautonomous organelles.