VCE Biology Unit 1 Chapter 1 Jacaranda Nature of Biology

How do cells function? - Biology Area of Study 1 Year 11 VCE

plasma membrane

Forms boundary between cell and extracellular environment and regulates movement of substances in and out of the cell.

ribosomes

Makes polypeptides (proteins). Located free in the cytoplasm or bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum

mitochondria

Site of cellular respiration (production of ATP). Located in the cytoplasm

rough endoplasmic reticulum

Synthesis, folding and modification of proteins. Transport of proteins through the cell.

smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Synthesis of lipids (oils, phospholipids, steroids). transport of these materials through the cell. Detoxification of drugs and poisons.

golgi apparatus

Changes proteins and lipids receives from endoplasmic reticulum. Sorts, packages and stores proteins and lipids. Transports these in vesicles through the cell

nucleus

Contains most of the cell’s genetic material (DNA) which regulates all the activities of the cell

nucleolus

Makes rRNA (ribosomal RNA). Assembles ribosomal subunits

centrioles

Involved in organising microtubule assembly (spindle formation) in plants

vacuoles

Provides plant cell volume and stores inorganic ions and metabolic waste

cytoskeleton

Adds shape and mechanical support and regulates cellular activities

chloroplasts

Site of photosynthesis with specialised plastids containing the green pigment chlorophyll

cell wall

Protects and maintains the cell shape and prevents too much water uptake. outside the plasma membrane of a plant cell

lysosomes

Intracellular digestion of macromolecules. recycles cellular components (autophagy)

cilia

Protects animal cells and helps the cell move substances across

phospholipids

Comprised of a hydrophilic phosphate head and a hydrophobic lipid tail

integral proteins

Vital components of the plasma membrane that are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer

peripheral protein

Anchored to the outside of the plasma membrane through lipid bonding or interactions with integral proteins

cholesterol

Sterol compound that aids the composition of cell membranes, puts space between fatty acids and ensures flexibility in extreme temperatures

glycolipids

Small chains of carbohydrates attached to phospholipids and proteins that aid in cell recognition

glycoproteins

Combination formed when a carbohydrate group attaches to the exposed part of an integral protein

passive transport

Movement from an area of a high concentration to a low concentration

active transport

Movement from a low concentration to a high concentration with ATP (energy)

facilitated diffusion

When channel or carrier proteins assist particles in diffusion without the use of ATP

simple diffusion

Net movement of a substance from an area of a high concentration to a low concentration

channel protein

Form narrow passageways for small ions to travel through

carrier protein

Bind to specific molecules on one side and change shape to release it on the other side

osmosis

The movement of water down the concentration gradient

hypotonic

When the solute concentration is lower outside than inside

hypertonic

When the solute concentration is higher outside of the cell

isotonic

When the solute concentration is equal throughout the cell

pumps

Special transport proteins that use energy to move small polar molecules against the concentration gradient

endocytosis

Bulk transport of material into a cell

phagocytosis

Bulk transport of solid materials into the cell

pinocytosis

Form of endocytosis that involves materials in a solution

exocytosis

Bulk transport of materials out of the cell