Lab Exercise 4: Microscope and Cells Flashcards

Flashcards covering cell organelle structures and functions based on Lab Exercise 4.

What is the function of the cytosol/cytoplasm?

The viscous fluid in which organelles are suspended and metabolism occurs.

What is the primary function of ribosomes?

The site of protein synthesis—either free floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the ER, making it rough ER.

What is the function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

The organelle of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells—the "powerhouse" of the cell.

What is the structure and function of the cell wall?

Rigid outer structure found in bacteria, fungi, plants, and some protists that maintains the cells' shape and prevents lysis.

What reaction occurs in the chloroplast of eukaryotic cells?

Site of the reactions of photosynthesis in eukaryotic cells.

What is the function of a vacuole?

Large fluid-filled space that performs many of the same functions as lysosomes in animal cells.

How is the endoplasmic reticulum generally defined?

A network of membranes forming a "highway system" within the cytoplasm.

What is the specific function of the smooth ER?

Responsible for the synthesis of lipids.

What is the specific function of the rough ER and why?

Responsible for the synthesis of proteins because of attached ribosomes.

What is the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus/bodies/complex?

A series of flattened membrane sacs that stores, packages, and ships cellular material—the "UPS" of the cell.

What are microfilaments?

Small, flexible structures of the cell's cytoskeleton.

What are microtubules and what functions do they serve?

Rigid, hollow cylinders of protein that help position organelles within the cell and generate force to move the entire cell or create current on the outside of the cell.

What is the role of centrioles in animal cells?

Assist in the organization of the microtubule system during cell division in animal cells.

What is a lysosome?

A specialized vesicle containing digestive enzymes—the "tiny stomachs" of the cell.

What is the function of a vesicle?

Small membrane sacs that move cellular materials throughout the cytoplasm as well as in and out of the cell.

How is the nucleus defined?

Membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells containing the DNA—acts as a control center.

What is the function of the nucleolus/nucleoli?

Region or regions of the nucleus making the type of RNA needed for ribosomes.

What is DNA/chromatin/chromosomes?

Genetic material or DNA that can be combined with proteins to form chromatin and condensed further to form chromosomes.

What is the function of the nuclear envelope?

Membrane separating the nucleus from the rest of the cell.

What is the plasma membrane?

The phospholipid bilayer that forms the boundary of all cells.