The Cellular Level of Organization

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on cellular organization, including cell structure, membrane transport, cellular differentiation, and processes such as mitosis and protein synthesis.

What is the smallest unit of life that is highly organized for metabolism and has the potential to reproduce?

A cell.

What distinguishes passive transport from active transport?

Passive transport does not use energy, while active transport requires energy.

What are the two types of membrane proteins?

Integral proteins (go completely through the bilayer) and peripheral proteins (only on one side).

What are the components of the cell membrane's phospholipid bilayer?

It consists of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

What type of cell is characterized as unspecialized and can divide without limit?

Stem cell.

What type of junctions are desmosomes considered to be?

Anchoring junctions.

What is the term for the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration?

Diffusion.

What does the term 'hypertonic' refer to regarding solute concentration?

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside.

What are the two main types of endocytosis?

Phagocytosis and pinocytosis.

What are the two key components of the cytoskeleton?

Microfilaments and microtubules.

What is the Golgi apparatus often referred to as?

The 'Post Office' of the cell.

What structure in the cell is responsible for energy production?

Mitochondria.

What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Ribosomes are where translation occurs, and they help make proteins.

How many DNA bases are there, and what are they?

There are four DNA bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

What phase of the cell cycle is characterized by cell division?

Mitosis.

What are sister chromatids?

Identical chromosomes connected by a centromere after the S phase.