Week_2_CTO_lecture_

What are the major components required for a cell to function?

Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, and ribosomes.

What role does the plasma membrane play in a cell?

It maintains a selective barrier between the inside and outside of the cell.

What are the two types of membrane proteins?

Peripheral proteins and integral membrane proteins.

What is facilitated diffusion?

Transport of solutes down their electrochemical gradient aided by transporter proteins.

How do eukaryotic cells overcome the constraints of surface area to volume ratio?

By compartmentalizing their functions in organelles.

What is the difference in genetic material between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotic DNA is circular and generally found in a nucleoid region, while eukaryotic DNA is linear and contained within a nucleus.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

To modify and package proteins and lipids for transport or secretion.

What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?

To synthesize proteins based on the information carried by mRNA.

What is the purpose of lysosomes?

To break down waste materials and cellular debris.

How do vacuoles function in a cell?

As storage compartments for substances like water or nutrients.

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum?

To synthesize proteins and lipids, with rough ER being involved in protein synthesis and smooth ER in lipid synthesis.

What are cotransporters?

Proteins that transport two different molecules or ions, either in the same direction (symport) or opposite directions (antiport) across a membrane.

What is the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane?

A model that describes the cell membrane as a mosaic of different components, including phospholipids and proteins, that are able to move laterally.

What is endosymbiosis?

The evolutionary theory that eukaryotic cells originated from a symbiotic relationship between multiple prokaryotic organisms.

What is the primary function of mitochondria?

To produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

What is the primary function of chloroplasts?

To conduct photosynthesis in plant cells.

What does a high concentration of sodium outside of the cell indicate?

The cell must actively transport sodium out to maintain low internal sodium concentration.

What is the role of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

To provide structural support and facilitate movement.

What is the key characteristic of microtubules?

They are formed by dimers of alpha and beta tubulin and are involved in providing structure and transport within the cell.

What causes the beating motion of flagella and cilia?

Contraction and sliding of dynein motor proteins along microtubules.