Cell Structure and Function: Eukaryotes vs Prokaryotes Chapter 7 (copy)

What are the fundamental components that all cells have?

Proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and a plasma membrane.

What is the function of proteins in the cell?

Proteins perform most of the cell's functions.

What role do nucleic acids play in cells?

Nucleic acids store, transmit, and process information.

What are the functions of carbohydrates in cells?

Carbohydrates provide chemical energy, carbon, support, and identity.

What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus, while prokaryotes lack one.

What are the three domains of life based on phylogeny?

Bacteria (prokaryotic), Archaea (prokaryotic), and Eukarya (eukaryotic).

Give examples of organisms that are classified as eukaryotes.

Protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

What is the size comparison between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

Most eukaryotic cells are larger than prokaryotic cells.

What is the Endosymbiosis Theory?

The theory that chloroplasts and mitochondria may have once been free-living bacteria that were engulfed, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship.

What evidence supports the Endosymbiosis Theory?

Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own DNA, synthesize their own small ribosomes, and can grow and divide independently of cell division.

What are the main components of prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells contain a single chromosome, DNA in the nucleoid region, ribosomes, a plasma membrane, a cell wall exoskeleton, and external structures for movement and attachment.

What is the structure and function of prokaryotic DNA?

Prokaryotic DNA is supercoiled and consists of a single chromosome located in the nucleoid region without a membrane.

What role do ribosomes play in prokaryotic cells?

Ribosomes are macromolecular machines made of RNA and protein that are used for protein synthesis.

How do prokaryotes convert sunlight into chemical energy?

Many prokaryotes have internal photosynthetic membranes that develop from folds of the plasma membrane.

What are organelles in prokaryotic cells?

Some bacteria have membrane-bound compartments called organelles that perform specialized tasks, such as storing calcium ions and organizing enzymes.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton in prokaryotic cells?

The cytoskeleton consists of protein fibers that assist in cell division and maintain cell shape.

What is the composition and function of the plasma membrane in prokaryotic cells?

The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with integral and peripheral proteins that separates the cell's interior from the external environment.

What is the structure and function of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?

The cell wall is a tough, fibrous layer made of peptidoglycan that surrounds the plasma membrane, providing protection.

What external structures do prokaryotes use for movement and attachment?

Prokaryotes may have flagella for propulsion and fimbriae for attachment to surfaces or other cells.

What are the main organelles found in eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, peroxisomes, mitochondria, chloroplasts, cytoskeleton, and cell wall.

What are the benefits of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

Compartmentalization allows for separation of incompatible chemical reactions and increases the efficiency of chemical reactions.

What is the structure and function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

The nucleus has a double-membrane nuclear envelope with pore-like openings, where ribosomal RNA is synthesized and ribosome subunits are assembled.

What are ribosomes and their function in eukaryotic cells?

Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that manufacture proteins, either free in the cytosol or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

The two types are rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), which has ribosomes and processes proteins, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), which synthesizes lipids.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus processes, sorts, and ships proteins synthesized in the rough ER, receiving products on the cis side and shipping them out on the trans side.

What are lysosomes and their role in eukaryotic cells?

Lysosomes are recycling centers found only in animal cells that contain enzymes to hydrolyze macromolecules and export monomers.

What is the endomembrane system?

The endomembrane system includes the ER, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes, producing, processing, and transporting proteins and lipids.

What are vacuoles and their functions in plant and fungal cells?

Vacuoles are large, membrane-bound structures that store water, ions, proteins, and pigments, helping maintain cell volume and providing protection.

What is the structure and function of peroxisomes?

Peroxisomes are organelles that contain enzymes for redox reactions, detoxifying harmful substances like hydrogen peroxide.

What are the characteristics of mitochondria?

Mitochondria have two membranes, contain their own DNA, and are responsible for supplying ATP to cells.

What is the structure of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts have three membranes, with thylakoids arranged in stacks called grana, where photosynthesis takes place.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

The cytoskeleton gives cells shape and structural stability, aids in movement, and organizes cellular structures.

What is the composition of the eukaryotic cell wall?

The eukaryotic cell wall is made of rods or fibers of carbohydrates within a stiff matrix of polysaccharides and proteins.

What is the Endosymbiosis Theory?

It suggests that chloroplasts and mitochondria were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship.

What evidence supports the Endosymbiosis Theory?

Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own DNA, synthesize their own ribosomes, and can grow and divide independently of the cell.

What is the structure of prokaryotic DNA?

Prokaryotic DNA is supercoiled and consists of a single chromosome located in the nucleoid region without a membrane.

What are plasmids in prokaryotic cells?

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry genes, often providing advantages such as antibiotic resistance.

What role do ribosomes play in prokaryotic cells?

Ribosomes are macromolecular machines that consist of RNA and protein, used for protein synthesis.

How do prokaryotic cells convert sunlight into chemical energy?

Many prokaryotes have internal photosynthetic membranes that develop from folds of the plasma membrane.

What are organelles in prokaryotic cells?

Some bacteria have membrane-bound compartments called organelles that perform specialized tasks such as storing calcium ions or organizing enzymes.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton in prokaryotic cells?

The cytoskeleton provides structural support, assists in cell division, and maintains cell shape.

What is the composition of the plasma membrane in prokaryotic cells?

The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with integral and peripheral proteins that create a distinct internal environment.

What is the function of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?

The cell wall forms a protective exoskeleton, typically made of peptidoglycan, surrounding the plasma membrane.

What external structures do prokaryotic cells have for movement and attachment?

Prokaryotic cells may have flagella for propulsion and fimbriae for attachment to surfaces.

What are the main components of eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, peroxisomes, mitochondria, chloroplasts, cytoskeleton, and cell wall.

What advantages do organelles provide in eukaryotic cells?

Organelles compartmentalize the cell, allowing for separation of incompatible chemical reactions and increasing the efficiency of chemical reactions.

What is the structure and function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

The nucleus has a double-membrane nuclear envelope with pore-like openings and contains chromosomes, where ribosomal RNA is synthesized.

What are ribosomes and their role in eukaryotic cells?

Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that manufacture proteins, either free in the cytosol or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) has ribosomes and processes proteins, while the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) synthesizes lipids.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus processes, sorts, and ships proteins synthesized in the rough ER, with distinct cis and trans sides for receiving and shipping.

What are lysosomes and their function in eukaryotic cells?

Lysosomes contain enzymes for hydrolyzing macromolecules and recycling cellular components, functioning as recycling centers.

What are vacuoles and their roles in plant and fungal cells?

Vacuoles are large, membrane-bound structures that store water, ions, and other substances, helping maintain normal cell volume.

What is the function of peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells?

Peroxisomes contain enzymes that catalyze redox reactions, detoxifying harmful substances like hydrogen peroxide.

What is the structure and function of mitochondria?

Mitochondria have two membranes and their own DNA, supplying ATP to cells through cellular respiration.

What is the structure and function of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts have three membranes and are involved in photosynthesis, containing thylakoids arranged in stacks called grana.

What is the role of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

The cytoskeleton provides shape, structural stability, aids in cell movement, and organizes cellular structures.

What is the composition of the eukaryotic cell wall?

The eukaryotic cell wall, found in fungi, algae, and plants, consists of carbohydrate rods or fibers in a polysaccharide matrix.

What are the characteristics of cells as dynamic living things?

Cells have interacting parts and contain constantly moving molecules.

How does the structure of cell components relate to their function?

The structure of each cell component correlates with its function, with size and number of organelles reflecting the cell's specialized function.

What is the role of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in cells?

Rough ER is packed to manufacture enzymes.

What is the function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Smooth ER is packed to synthesize lipids, such as testosterone.

What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Chloroplasts synthesize sugar.

What is the role of mitochondria in cells?

Mitochondria are packed to access energy and make ATP.

What is the structure of the nuclear envelope?

The nuclear envelope is perforated with nuclear pore complexes and consists of about 30 different proteins.

What is the purpose of nuclear pore complexes?

Nuclear pore complexes connect the inside of the nucleus with the cytosol.

What are the objectives of the study session?

Review Chapter 7, compare and contrast plant and animal cells, and practice study strategies.

What is the primary function of the Endomembrane System?

To manage cellular logistics and transport cell products.

What must happen to large molecules before their monomers can be used by the cell?

They must be digested by lysosomes.

What is the first step in receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Particles bind to receptors on the plasma membrane.

What forms when the plasma membrane pinches off during receptor-mediated endocytosis?

A vesicle.

What happens to the pH when a vesicle fuses with an early endosome?

Proton pumps lower the pH, causing the receptor to release the particle.

What is the final form of a vesicle after it matures from an early endosome?

A lysosome.

What is phagocytosis?

The process where the plasma membrane engulfs a smaller cell or food particle, forming a phagosome that fuses with a lysosome.

What is autophagy?

The process by which lysosomes digest large structures and organelles in the cytoplasm.

What are the three types of cytoskeletal elements?

Actin filaments (microfilaments), intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

What is the role of actin filaments in the cell?

They are involved in cell shape, movement, muscle contraction, cytokinesis, and cytoplasmic streaming.

What is the structural characteristic of intermediate filaments?

They are defined by size and consist of many types of proteins providing structural support.

What is an example of intermediate filaments?

Keratin, found in nails and hair.

What do nuclear lamins do?

They give the nucleus its shape and anchor chromosomes.

What are microtubules made of?

They are large, hollow tubes made of tubulin dimers (α-tubulin and β-tubulin).

What is the microtubule organizing center in animal cells called?

The centrosome.

What is the function of microtubules in vesicle transport?

They serve as tracks for vesicle transport and provide a structural framework for organelles.

What motor protein is involved in vesicle transport along microtubules?

Kinesin.

How do eukaryotic flagella move?

By undulating or whipping back and forth.

What is the structural arrangement of cilia and flagella?

A '9 + 2' arrangement of microtubules called the axoneme.

What provides the force required for movement in cilia and flagella?

The motor protein dynein.

What happens when dynein arms on only one side of the axoneme move?

Cilia and flagella bend, resulting in a swimming motion.

What is the difference between cilia and flagella in terms of quantity?

Cells generally have just one or two flagella, while some cells have many cilia.