Biology 112 - Unit Three: Cell Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell biology including cell size limitations, types of cells, organelles and their functions, and cellular structures.

Cell Size Limitations

Cells are limited in size by their ability to house organelles and must maintain a specific surface area to volume ratio.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

As cell size increases, the surface area increases by a factor of 2 while the volume increases by a factor of 3, leading to lower efficiency in larger cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and organelles, generally smaller than eukaryotic cells, with an average size of 2 mm to 8 mm.

Eukaryotic Cells

Larger cells that possess a nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles, 10 times bigger and 1000 times in volume compared to prokaryotic cells.

Ribosomes

Non-membrane bound organelles that assemble amino acids into polypeptides and are present in all cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes within eukaryotic cells, which includes rough ER (with ribosomes) and smooth ER (without ribosomes) that synthesize proteins and lipids.

Golgi Apparatus

Cell organelle that modifies, sorts, and ships products manufactured by the endoplasmic reticulum.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris and can aid in recycling.

Mitochondria

Energy-converting organelles that convert chemical energy from food into ATP through cellular respiration.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures that extend from the surface of the cell, helping in movement and cleaning surfaces in various organs.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used by some cells for movement, typically fewer in number compared to cilia.

Extracellular Matrix

A network that helps hold cells together, affecting cell behavior and interaction with the cytoskeleton.

Cell Junctions

Structures that connect cells together, including tight junctions (creating leak-proof sheets), anchoring junctions (rivets with cytoskeleton), and gap junctions (allowing communication between cells).