Microbial Cell Structure and Function Study Guide (Ch.3, 4.1, 4.2)

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45 Terms

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What is a prokaryote?

A simple, single-celled organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and specialized organelles.

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Prokaryotes fall under which domains?

Bacteria and Archaea, these microorganisms store their genetic material within the nucleoid.

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How do prokaryotes reproduce?

Asexually through binary fission; one cell divides into two identical cells

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What is a eukaryote?

An organism whose cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus that houses DNA as well specialized membrane-bound organelles

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What is the cytoplasmic membrane?

Flexible and semipermeable lipid bilayer that separates a cell’s interior from the outside environment

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What is the function of the cytoplasmic membrane (plasma membrane)?

It protects the cell, regulates the transport of nutrients and waste, and facilitates signaling.

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What is a integral membrane protein?

Proteins are permanently embedded within the cell’s lipid bilayer (partially or fully), crucial for transport, signaling, and cell structure by connecting the cell’s interior with outside environment.

<p>Proteins are permanently embedded within the cell’s lipid bilayer (partially or fully), crucial for transport, signaling, and cell structure by connecting the cell’s interior with outside environment. </p>

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What is the structure of integral membrane proteins and what is the purpose of this structure?

Integral membrane proteins have hydrophobic amino acid residues that interact with the fatty core of the membrane, allowing them to function as channels, receptors, pumps, and enzymes, facilitating movement and communication

<p>Integral membrane proteins have hydrophobic amino acid residues that interact with the fatty core of the membrane, allowing them to function as channels, receptors, pumps, and enzymes, facilitating movement and communication</p>

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What is a peripheral membrane protein?

Proteins loosely attached to the cell’s lipid bilayer membrane’s surface via non-covalent bonds, sticking to integral proteins or lipid heads, but not in the hydrophobic core

<p>Proteins loosely attached to the cell’s lipid bilayer membrane’s surface via non-covalent bonds, sticking to integral proteins or lipid heads, but not in the hydrophobic core</p>

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What is the function of peripheral membrane proteins?

Peripheral proteins function is to signal, provide cytoskeleton support, catalyze surface reactions (enzyme), and assist in vesicle trafficking

<p>Peripheral proteins function is to signal, provide cytoskeleton support, catalyze surface reactions (enzyme), and assist in vesicle trafficking</p>

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Cytochrome c in the electron transport chain is an example of what type of protein?

Peripheral membrane protein

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What is the proton motive force (PMF)?

An electrochemical gradient of protons across a membrane that stores E to perform cellular work (ATP synthesis). Generated by electron transport chains, it acts like a battery, combing pH and charge difference

<p>An electrochemical gradient of protons across a membrane that stores E to perform cellular work (ATP synthesis). Generated by electron transport chains, it acts like a battery, combing pH and charge difference</p>

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What is the function of the PMF?

This gradient represents potential energy that drives the synthesis of ATP through the enzyme ATP synthase as protons flow back across the membrane. Essential for life allowing cells to convert energy from food or sunlight into usable, storable chemical E

<p>This gradient represents potential energy that drives the synthesis of ATP through the enzyme ATP synthase as protons flow back across the membrane. Essential for life allowing cells to convert energy from food or sunlight into usable, storable chemical E</p>

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What are porins?

Porins are a major class of water-filled, beta-barrel transmembrane proteins channels

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Porins are trimers. What does this mean?

Porins contain three identical subunits to form large passive pores

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Where are porins located?

Porins are primarily located on the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, mitochondrial outer membranes, and eukaryotic plasma membranes.

<p>Porins are primarily located on the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, mitochondrial outer membranes, and eukaryotic plasma membranes.</p>

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What is the function of porins?

Porins allow passive transport (molecules move with concentration gradient), essential for nutrient uptake and metabolic exchange

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What are aquaporins?

AKA “water channels” they are specialized integral membrane proteins that facilitate the rapid, passive movement of water molecules across biological membranes.