Cell Characteristics and Functions

Reproduction

Ability to produce new living things

Cell Theory

All living things are made of cells, the basic units of life, which come from pre-existing cells

Prokaryotes

Organisms with simple cells lacking a nucleus

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus

Plasma Membrane

Selective barrier between intracellular and extracellular environments

Cytosol

Fluid portion of the cytoplasm

Ribosomes

Structures for protein synthesis, free or attached to ER

Nucleus

Organelle protecting genetic information and site of ribosome production

Nucleolus

Structure within the nucleus for ribosome production

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER with ribosomes involved in protein synthesis and modification

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER without ribosomes, producing lipids and hormones

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle for protein sorting, packaging, and modification

Vesicle

Small sac for substance transport or storage

Lysosomes

Vesicles containing digestive enzymes for waste breakdown

Cytoskeleton

Protein filaments network for cell shape maintenance and transport

Vacuole

Membrane-bound sac for water and solute storage

Cell Wall

Sturdy border outside the plasma membrane for strength and structure

Aerobic cellular respiration

Produces ATP in the presence of oxygen (30-32 molecules)

Anaerobic cellular respiration

Produces 2 ATP in the absence of oxygen

Glycolysis

First step of cellular respiration, occurs in cytosol, produces 2 ATP

Krebs Cycle

Second step of cellular respiration, occurs in mitochondria, produces 2 ATP

Electron Transport Chain

Final step of cellular respiration, occurs in mitochondria, produces 26-28 ATP

Endosymbiosis theory

Hypothesis by Lynn Margulis that organelles were once free-living organisms

Lactic acid build-up

Occurs in anaerobic cellular respiration, causes muscle soreness

Chloroplasts & mitochondria

Organelles involved in cellular energy production

SA:V ratio importance

Critical for efficient material exchange in cells

Pancreatic cells

Secrete insulin, small size increases SA:V ratio for faster secretion

Thylakoids

Long, flat discs in chloroplasts to increase SA:V for photosynthesis

Intracellular transport

Faster in smaller cells due to shorter distances

Binary fission

Reproduction method of chloroplasts and mitochondria