Eukaryotic Cells Organelles

These flashcards cover key concepts and details about eukaryotic cell organelles, their structures, and functions.

What is the function of the cell membrane in animal cells?

It acts as the external layer controlling what enters and exits the cell.

What are the organelles you need to know in detail for eukaryotic cells?

Nucleus, Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum, Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi apparatus, Golgi vesicles, Lysosomes, Mitochondria, Ribosomes, Vacuole, Chloroplast, Cell wall, Plasma membrane.

What is the purpose of the nucleus in a cell?

It is the site of DNA replication and transcription.

What distinguishes rough endoplasmic reticulum from smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface; Smooth ER does not.

What is the primary function of the mitochondria?

It is the site of aerobic respiration, producing ATP.

What are lysosomes and their function?

They are vesicles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

It processes, packages, and modifies proteins, often adding carbohydrates to form glycoproteins.

Describe the structure of ribosomes.

Ribosomes are composed of two subunits made of proteins and ribosomal RNA.

What is the function of the vacuole in plant cells?

It provides support, helps maintain turgidity, and stores substances such as sugars and amino acids.

What is the structure of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts have an inner and outer membrane with folded thylakoid membranes stacked in grana.

How does the plasma membrane control cell functions?

It controls entry and exit of substances based on lipid solubility.

What is the nuclear envelope?

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

What is found inside the nucleus?

Chromosomes, nucleoplasm, and the nucleolus.

What do ribosomes synthesize?

Proteins.

What role do lysosomes play in immunity?

They hydrolyze pathogens within phagocytic cells.

What is the purpose of the Golgi vesicles?

They transport modified molecules from the Golgi apparatus.

What is the role of the nucleolus?

It produces RNA and ribosomes.

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum?

To synthesize and store proteins and lipids.

What is the role of chlorophyll in chloroplasts?

It captures light energy for photosynthesis.

What type of carbohydrate forms the cell wall in plants?

Cellulose.

What are phospholipids?

Molecules that make up the plasma membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.

How are the two types of ribosomes in cells characterized?

Eukaryotic ribosomes are larger than prokaryotic ribosomes.

What is autolysis?

The process by which lysosomes break down dead cells.

What substance is contained in the mitochondrial matrix?

The enzymes and substrates necessary for the Krebs cycle of aerobic respiration.

What is the function of the tonoplast?

It is the membrane surrounding the vacuole in plant cells.

What do the cisternae of the Golgi apparatus look like?

They are folded membranes shaped in a slight curve.

What happens during phagocytosis?

Lysosomes digest pathogens engulfed by phagocytes.

What do vacuoles store in addition to water?

They can store sugars, amino acids, and pigments.

What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

It is involved in lipid synthesis and storage.

What are thylakoid membranes?

Folded membranes within chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

What role does cholesterol play in the plasma membrane?

It affects the fluidity of the membrane.

What is found in the matrix of mitochondria?

Enzymes for metabolic processes, including the Krebs cycle.

What two structures make up the plant cell's external boundary?

Cell wall and plasma membrane.

What is the process of aerobic respiration?

It is the process by which cells produce ATP using oxygen.

What do glycoproteins do in the plasma membrane?

They can act as receptors for signaling molecules.

What is the significance of the curved shape of Golgi apparatus?

It helps in the processing and packaging of proteins.

What is the cytoplasm?

The gel-like substance within the cell that contains organelles.

What structural feature helps mitochondria maximize ATP production?

The inner membrane is folded into structures called cristae.

What is unique about plant vacuoles compared to those in animal cells?

Plant vacuoles are typically large and turgid, providing structural support.

Define mRNA.

Messenger RNA, which is transcribed from DNA and carries the genetic information for protein synthesis.

What do we call the jelly-like substance inside the nucleus?

Nucleoplasm.

What is the difference between the inner and outer membranes of chloroplasts?

The inner membrane contains thylakoids where photosynthesis occurs, while the outer membrane surrounds the organelle.

What is the function of the cell wall?

To provide structural support and protection to plant and fungal cells.

What materials do lysosomes recycle after digestion?

Useful materials from broken down pathogens or dead cells.

What is the main product of ribosomes during protein synthesis?

Polypeptides or proteins.

How do chloroplasts contribute to the environment?

They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

What is the function of nuclear pores?

They regulate the passage of molecules in and out of the nucleus.

What is the role of protein channels in the plasma membrane?

They allow specific molecules to pass through the membrane.

Wat is a granum?

A stack of thylakoids within a chloroplast.

What does the term 'eukaryotic' refer to?

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.