Cell Biology Review

Flashcards covering key concepts in cell biology, including cell structure, transport mechanisms, cell division, metabolic pathways, and the endosymbiotic theory.

What is the purpose of vesicles in a cell?

Vesicles serve as storage areas and transport substances within the cell.

What is the cytoskeleton responsible for?

The cytoskeleton provides internal framework and support, maintaining cell shape, movement, and protection.

What are the three components of the cytoskeleton?

Microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.

What does the endomembrane system do?

It transports proteins and other nutrients throughout the cell.

What is the significance of the cell membrane's semi-permeability?

It acts as a barrier, allowing certain molecules to pass while maintaining a stable internal environment.

What is active transport and what does it require?

Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient and requires ATP.

Explain endocytosis.

Endocytosis is the process where cells take in substances by engulfing them.

What happens during phagocytosis?

Phagocytosis is a type of endocytosis where a cell 'eats' larger particles.

Define osmosis.

Osmosis is the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a high to low concentration.

What is the difference between isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions?

Isotonic solutions have equal concentrations inside and outside the cell, hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration outside, and hypotonic solutions have a lower concentration outside.

Why do larger cells face challenges regarding metabolic demands?

Larger cells have a decreased surface area-to-volume ratio, making it harder to efficiently exchange materials.

What is the endosymbiotic theory?

It proposes that eukaryotic cells arose from ancient prokaryotes engulfing smaller prokaryotes.

What is apoptosis and why is it important?

Apoptosis is programmed cell death, important for removing damaged cells.

What role do checkpoints play in the cell cycle?

Checkpoints monitor cell size, nutrient availability, and DNA integrity to prevent errors.

What is the role of DNA polymerase during replication?

DNA polymerase adds complementary bases to the template strand during DNA replication.

What is the function of the mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, converting sugar into energy through cellular respiration.

What are organelles and name a few types.

Organelles are specialized structures within a cell; examples include the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.

Define binary fission.

Binary fission is a simpler form of cell division occurring in prokaryotes where DNA replication and separation happen simultaneously.

What occurs during prophase in mitosis?

Chromosomes condense and become visible, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

What occurs during telophase?

The separated chromosomes reach opposite poles, and the nuclear envelope develops around each set.

Explain the difference between anabolic and catabolic reactions.

Anabolic reactions build molecules while catabolic reactions break down molecules.

What are monosaccharides?

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of sugars and the building blocks of carbohydrates.

What is chitin?

Chitin is a structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of arthropods.