Cell Biology: Functions of Life, Cell Theory, and Cell Organelles

Flashcards covering MR. H. GREN functions of life, Cell Theory, and cell organelles for animal and plant cells based on lecture notes.

What does the mnemonic MR. H. GREN stand for regarding the functions of life?

Metabolism, Reproduction, Homeostasis, Growth, Response, Excretion, Nutrition.

According to the functions of life notes, how is Metabolism defined?

Chemical reactions inside the cell.

According to the functions of life notes, how is Reproduction defined?

Produce offspring (make baby).

According to the functions of life notes, how is Homeostasis defined?

Keep internal environment the same.

According to the functions of life notes, how is Growth defined?

Irreversible increase in size.

According to the functions of life notes, how is Response defined?

The ability to react to changes in the environment.

According to the functions of life notes, how is Excretion defined?

Getting rid of waste products.

According to the functions of life notes, how is Nutrition defined?

Obtaining nutrients needed for energy & growth.

Why are viruses not considered to be alive based on the functions of life?

Viruses cannot maintain homeostasis, grow, make their own energy, or reproduce without a host (ex. humans).

What are the three statements of Cell Theory?

1) All living things (organisms) are made up of at least one or more cells. 2) Cells are the basic unit of life & they contain the DNA which has the instructions for life. 3) All cells come from pre-existing cells.

What is the function of the Cell membrane?

A barrier that keeps cell components in and unwanted substances out.

What is the function of a Lysosome, and in which cell type is it found?

Breaks down unwanted material. It is found ONLY in animal cells (A).

What is the function of a Vacuole, and how does it differ between animal and plant cells?

A type of vesicle that stores water, salts, carbohydrates, and proteins. Animal cells have multiple, small ones, while plants have one large one to store water.

What is the function of Ribosomes, and where are they located?

Found on the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER) and throughout the cytoplasm. These are the sites of protein synthesis.

What is Cytoplasm?

Gel-like liquid that fills the inside of the cell, made of water, salts and other molecules.

What is the function of Mitochondria?

Generates ATP (a molecule used for energy).

What is the function of the Cytoskeleton?

Aids in cell movement and gives the cell its shape.

What is a Centriole, and in which cell type is it found?

Bundle of microtubules that organize the movement of chromosomes during cell division (NOT spindle). It is found ONLY in animal cells (A).

What is the Nuclear Membrane?

Membrane that surrounds the nucleus.

What is the function of the Nucleolus, and where is it located?

Found inside the nucleus & creates ribosomes for the cell.

What is the function of the Nucleus?

Holds the DNA of the cell.

What is the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

Network of sacs that are responsible for making, processing & transporting chemicals, also known as the ER.

What are the individual functions of the Rough ER and Smooth ER?

The rough ER contains ribosomes which make proteins. The smooth ER synthesizes (makes) enzymes & lipids/fats.

What is the Golgi Apparatus?

A stack of membranes (referred to as pancakes) that collect & modify chemicals & prepares for transport.

What are Vesicles?

Small, sac-like structures created by the golgi apparatus. They store and deliver nutrients and proteins throughout the cell.

What is a Chloroplast, and in which cell type is it found?

Site of photosynthesis, which is the process through which plants make their own food. A type of plastid that makes plants green, found ONLY in plant cells (P).

What are Plastids, and in which cell type are they found?

Carry out certain functions including photosynthesis, storage, food storage, and pigment synthesis. There are multiple types. Found ONLY in plant cells (P).

What is the Cell wall, and in which cell type is it found?

The outermost layer that surrounds the cell membrane; protects and supports the cell and is made of layers that can be flexible or rigid. Found ONLY in plant cells (P).

How can Mitochondria and Chloroplasts be distinguished visually in cell diagrams?

Mitochondria have zig zag internal structures, while Chloroplasts have organized up-down stacks for photosynthesis.

Which two types of cell structures are depicted side-by-side in this diagram?

An ANIMAL CELL (left) and a PLANT CELL (right).