Cell Structure and Chemicals 1

Flashcards for reviewing cell structure, chemicals, and important terminology.

Atomic structure

Organization of the subatomic particles in an atom, comparing the location of protons and neutrons to electrons.

Valence

The number of covalent bonds an atom can make, reflective of the number of unpaired electrons in the outer shell.

Ionic bonds

Electrostatic attraction; involves the loss and gain of electrons.

Hydrogen bonds

Attraction between a hydrogen atom and another atom.

Van Der Waals forces

Attraction or repulsion between atoms within close proximity.

Hydrophobic interactions

Nonpolar atoms attracted to each other to avoid water.

Hydroxyl

A functional group containing oxygen; polar and participates in hydrogen bonds.

Carbonyl

The CO group in aldehydes and ketones; somewhat polar.

Carboxyl

Ionizes at physiological pH, becoming acidic.

Esters

Formed by combining an acid and an alcohol.

Chloroplasts

The site of photosynthesis in plant algae.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of membranes near the nuclear envelope involved in protein packaging and processing.

Rough ER

Studded with ribosomes; synthesizes polypeptides.

Smooth ER

Involved in the synthesis of lipids and steroids, and in detoxifying harmful substances.

Lysosome

Store hydrolases, enzymes that can digest biological molecules.

Golgi Apparatus

Processes and packages secretory proteins and synthesizes complex polysaccharides; adds sugars to proteins.

Small transport vesicles

Small membrane-bound compartments transporting cellular material.

Water vacuoles

Store cellular material, water, etc., in plant cells.

Peroxisomes

Plays a role in detoxification and contains catalase.

Microfilaments

Smallest structure of the cytoskeleton, important for shape and movement; made of actin proteins.

Intermediate filaments

Medium-sized structure of the cytoskeleton, acts like a scaffold; made of various intermediate filament proteins.

Microtubules

Largest-sized structure of the cytoskeleton, acts as a cell trafficking network; made of tubulin.

Ribosomes

Large complex of RNA and proteins.

Extracellular Matrix

Protein and sugar-based matrix secreted outside of the cell.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

Ratio should be as large as possible for efficient nutrient intake and waste removal.

Eukaryotes

Cells with membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotes

Cells without membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleus

Contains DNA organized with proteins into chromatin; surrounded by the nuclear envelope.

Mitochondria

Site of aerobic respiration in eukaryotic cells.

Amines

Polar, ionize at pH 7, and become basic.

Sulfhydryl

Polar, can create S-S bonds, and are hydrophobic.

Methyl

Nonpolar and can be added to molecules.

Phosphate

Charged at pH 7, found in DNA and RNA, and used to modify proteins.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction used in macromolecule synthesis; energetically unfavorable.

Monosaccharides

Glucose, galactose

Sugar

May be an aldehyde or a ketone.