Cellular Organelles and Membrane Transport Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing cellular organelles, membrane transport, and related concepts for exam preparation.

What are the main functions of the Nucleus?

Stores genetic information (DNA), Synthesis of RNA, Ribosome subunit assembly

What is the structure of the Rough ER?

Membrane studded with ribosomes attached to nuclear envelope

What are the primary functions of the Rough ER?

Site of membrane-bound protein and secreted protein synthesis, Cell compartmentalization, Mechanical support, Role in intracellular transport

What is the structure of the Smooth ER?

Folded, tubelike structure (cisternae)

What are the functions of the Smooth ER?

Detoxification, calcium storage, lipid synthesis

What are the principal functions of the Golgi Complex?

Folding and chemical modification of synthesized proteins, packaging protein traffic

Describe the structure of the Golgi Complex.

Membrane-bound structure composed of flattened sacs (cisternae)

What is the structure of Ribosomes?

Composed of rRNA and protein; large & small subunits; types: bound or free (cytoplasmic)

What is the main function of Ribosomes?

Protein synthesis

What are the functions of the Mitochondria?

Site of oxidative phosphorylation (cristae/inner membrane), Site of Krebs Cycle (matrix)

What are the functions of the Chloroplast?

Site of photosynthesis, Thylakoid: Light Reactions, Stroma: Calvin-Benson Cycle

What is the function of Lysosomes?

Intracellular digestion (recycle cell organic materials & programmed cell death: apoptosis)

What are the functions of Vacuoles?

Storage and release of macromolecules and cellular waste products; Central: water retention – turgor pressure; Contractile: osmoregulation (protist); Food: phagocytosis, fuse with lysosome

How does cell size affect the surface area-to-volume ratio and exchange of materials?

Smaller ells typically have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio and more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

What are the main components of the Plasma Membrane?

Phospholipids, Membrane Proteins, Glycolipids/Glycoproteins, Cholesterol

What are the characteristics of Simple Diffusion?

Passive Transport, No NRG, Down concentration gradient, Small, Nonpolar, No transport protein needed. Examples: CO2, O2, N2, steroids, Small amount of H2O leak through membrane

What are the characteristics of Facilitated Diffusion?

Passive Transport, No NRG, Down concentration gradient, Small Molecules, Requires transport protein (Channel vs. Carrier protein). Example: water, Na+, K+, Ca+

What are the characteristics of Active Transport?

Requires input of NRG, Against concentration gradient, Requires transport protein (carrier protein). Example: Na+, K+, Ca+, H+

What are the different types of Endocytosis?

Phagocytosis: Cellular Eating, Pinocytosis: Cellular Drinking, Receptor-Mediated: Import of materials

What is the process involved in Exocytosis?

Rough ER (synthesize) → Golgi complex (package/modification) → Plasma Membrane: Export of materials

What are the characteristics of a Hypertonic Solution?

High solute concentration, Low free water concentration; GAINS water from hypotonic solution

What are the characteristics of a Hypotonic Solution?

Low solute concentration, High free water concentration; LOSES water to hypertonic solution

What are the characteristics of an Isotonic Solution?

Equal solute concentration (as other solution), Equal free water concentration (as other solution); Equal water movement into and out of solution