Cells and Stem Cells Flashcards

Flashcards about cells and stem cells, created from lecture notes.

Prokaryotic Cell

A single-celled organism (e.g., bacteria).

Eukaryotic Cell

Complex cells (e.g., animal and plant cells).

Nucleus

Contains genetics and controls cell activity.

Cytoplasm

Where chemical reactions take place; contains enzymes.

Mitochondria

Where aerobic respiration happens.

Ribosomes

Where proteins are made.

Permanent Vacuole

Contains cell sap (sugars + salts).

Chloroplasts

Where photosynthesis happens; contains chlorophyll and absorbs light.

Bacteria

Don't have a true nucleus, but have a singular strand of DNA and small rings of DNA called plasmids.

Differentiation

When cells change to become specialised for a job.

Sperm Cell

Long tail and streamline head to help with swimming, lots of mitochondria for energy, and enzymes in the head to digest through the egg cell membrane.

Muscle Cells

Long shape to contract and lots of mitochondria for energy.

Root Hair Cells

Long hairs for a big surface area, so can absorb more from the soil.

Nerve Cells

Carry electrical signals; long to cover more distance and have branched connections at the ends to connect to other nerve cells.

Phloem and Xylem Cells

Long, joined end to end; xylem is hollow in the centre, and phloem has few subcellular structures so stuff can flow through.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Can change into any type of cell; undifferentiated and can divide.

Adult Stem Cells

Can only turn into specific cells (e.g., blood cells).

Therapeutic Cloning

Embryo made to have the same genetics as the patient so stem cells would have the same genes and wouldn't be rejected from the patient's body.

Plant Stem Cells

Found in the meristems (where growth occurs); can differentiate into any type of cell throughout life; used to produce clones of whole plants quickly and cheaply.