Cell Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key concepts about cell structure and function as discussed in the lecture notes.

What does the Cell Theory state?

All living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic units of structure and function, and new cells arise from existing cells.

What are exceptions to the Cell Theory?

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA, some organisms like slime and bread mold consist of masses of cytoplasm with multiple nuclei, and viruses can reproduce inside other living cells.

Define Prokaryotes.

Smaller and simpler cells with genetic material not contained in a nucleus, e.g., bacteria.

Define Eukaryotes.

Cells whose genetic material is stored in a nucleus and contain organelles, e.g., plants and animals.

What are organelles?

Little organs within a cell that perform specific functions.

What is the function of the Cell Wall?

Provides shape, support, protection, and allows materials to pass through, found in plant cells.

What is the primary role of the Cell Membrane?

Separates the cell from the environment, regulates entry and exit of materials, and maintains homeostasis.

What is the function of the Nucleus?

Controls most cell processes and contains hereditary information (DNA).

What is Cytoplasm?

Watery material in the cell containing organelles and substances involved in cell metabolism.

What is the role of Ribosomes?

Sites of protein synthesis found in plant and animal cells.

What is the Endoplasmic Reticulum?

A continuous network of fluid-filled canals that transports materials; rough E.R. has ribosomes attached.

What does the Golgi Apparatus do?

Modifies, sorts, packages, and stores proteins for the cell or their release.

What are Lysosomes known for?

They act as the cleanup crew, filled with enzymes for digestion of cell waste.

What function do Vacuoles serve in cells?

Store materials such as water, proteins, and carbohydrates.

What is the function of Mitochondria?

Convert chemical energy from food into usable compounds; known as the powerhouse of the cell.

What do Chloroplasts do?

Capture energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

What is the Cytoskeleton?

A network of protein filaments that maintain cell shape and assist in movement.

What is Diffusion?

Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration without requiring energy.

What is Osmosis?

The diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane from high concentration to low.

What happens in a Hypotonic solution?

Water moves into the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

What happens in a Hypertonic solution?

Water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

What is Facilitated Diffusion?

Movement of molecules across a cell membrane through specific protein channels without energy.

Define Active Transport.

Movement of materials from low concentration to high concentration, requiring energy.

What is Endocytosis?

Taking materials into the cell by infolding the cell membrane.

What is Exocytosis?

Movement of materials out of the cell.

Describe Unicellular organisms.

Organisms made up of a single cell.

Describe Multicellular organisms.

Organisms made of many cells that communicate and cooperate with specialized functions.

What are the Levels of Organization in multicellular organisms?

Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems.

What is a Tissue?

A group of similar cells that perform a particular function.

What is an Organ?

Many groups of tissues working together.

What is an Organ system?

A group of organs working together to perform a specific function.