BIOL 131 Chapter 3: Cell

What is the composition of the plasma membrane?

A double layer of phospholipid molecules along with associated cholesterol and protein molecules.

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

It is selectively permeable and controls the movement of materials into and out of cells.

What is the cytoplasm composed of?

Cytosol and organelles.

What is the role of the nucleus in a cell?

It is a large, spherical organelle that contains chromosomes and is surrounded by the nuclear envelope.

What are chromosomes composed of?

DNA and protein.

What is the function of the nucleolus?

It is the site of ribosome synthesis.

What are ribosomes made of?

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and protein.

What is the function of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

It forms membrane channels for intracellular transport; Rough ER is for export proteins, while Smooth ER synthesizes lipids.

What does the Golgi Complex do?

Packages materials into vesicles for secretion or transport.

What is the primary function of mitochondria?

Responsible for aerobic respiration.

What do lysosomes contain?

Digestive enzymes to break down particles or cellular components.

What is the cytoskeleton made of?

Microtubules and microfilaments.

What is the role of centrioles?

Involved in cell division and located near the nucleus.

What is passive transport?

Movement of substances across the plasma membrane that does not require energy.

What is diffusion?

Movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

What is osmosis?

The passive movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What are hypotonic solutions?

Solutions with a higher water concentration than the cells.

What is active transport?

Movement of substances across the plasma membrane that requires energy.

What is cellular respiration?

The breakdown of nutrients in cells to release energy and form ATP molecules.

What is the net ATP yield from aerobic respiration of glucose?

34-36 ATP.

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes.

What is the function of tRNA?

Carries amino acids to the ribosomes for protein synthesis.

What does mitosis produce?

Two daughter cells with the same number and composition of chromosomes.

What is the outcome of meiosis?

Four daughter cells with half the parent cell's chromosome number.

What phases are included in mitosis?

Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.