Cell Structure and Function Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding animal and plant cell structures, the cytoskeleton, transport mechanisms, and the functions of various cellular components.

What role does the smooth endoplasmic reticulum play in an animal cell?

It is involved in the production of lipids and transports synthesized materials by forming vesicles.

What is a pulse-chase experiment used for?

It tracks the progression of a radiolabeled molecule, such as an amino acid, through a cell.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton in cells?

It provides structure and support, helps maintain cell shape, and is involved in cell division.

What are the three types of cytoskeletal elements?

Actin filaments (microfilaments), intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

How do actin filaments contribute to cell movement?

They interact with the motor protein myosin, which causes cell movements such as cell crawling and cytokinesis.

What is the role of intermediate filaments in the cell?

They provide structural support and shape the cell surface, but are not involved in movement.

What are microtubules composed of?

They are large, hollow tubes made of tubulin dimers.

What is the function of kinesin in vesicle transport?

Kinesin is a motor protein that uses ATP to transport vesicles along microtubule tracks.

How do flagella and cilia differ in structure and function?

Flagella are long and propel cells, while cilia are shorter projections that can move fluids or the cell itself.

What structure anchors eukaryotic flagella?

Eukaryotic flagella are anchored to a basal body composed of nine microtubule triplets.