Cellular Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key concepts and details relating to cellular structure and function, including differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cell theory, organelle functions, and transport mechanisms.

What are the basic structural features of life on Earth?

Cells are the basic structural feature of life.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells have them.

What are the three parts of the cell theory?

1. All living things are composed of cells. 2. Cells are the basic unit of life. 3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

What is one major structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are typically smaller and have circular DNA, while eukaryotic cells are larger and have linear DNA contained in a nucleus.

What is the function of DNA in cells?

DNA contains the instructions for growth, reproduction, and all cellular functions.

Which organelles are found only in eukaryotic cells?

The nucleus and mitochondria are found only in eukaryotic cells.

What is the primary function of the mitochondria?

Mitochondria turn glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP).

How does surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) affect cell efficiency?

Smaller cells have a higher SA:V ratio which increases efficiency for nutrient gain and waste removal.

What is osmosis?

The movement of water from areas of low solute concentration to high solute concentration across a membrane.

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink (crenate).

What is the purpose of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Chloroplasts capture energy from light to perform photosynthesis.

What is one difference between animal and plant cells?

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, while animal cells do not.

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

What is facilitated diffusion?

The passive transport of molecules across a membrane via protein channels or carriers without energy input.

What occurs during active transport?

Substances move against their concentration gradient requiring energy input.

What do lysosomes do in a cell?

Lysosomes contain enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

What is endocytosis?

The process by which cells engulf external substances, forming a vesicle.

What defines an isotonic solution?

An isotonic solution has equal concentrations of solute and water outside and inside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

What are the outputs of photosynthesis?

The outputs of photosynthesis are glucose and oxygen.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

What is binary fission?

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a cell divides to form two genetically identical cells.