Cell Structure, Function, Genetics

Flashcards about cell structure, function, homeostasis, cell transport, cell reproduction, inheritance, and human genetics.

What are three differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Explain the Theory of Endosymbiosis.

Eukaryotic cells originated from a symbiotic relationship between ancient prokaryotic cells.

What is the function of the Endoplasmic Reticulum?

Synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.

What is the function of the Ribosome?

Synthesizes proteins.

What is the function of the Lysosome?

Breaks down waste and cellular debris.

What is the function of the Mitochondria?

Produces ATP, the cell's energy.

What is the function of the Chloroplast?

Carries out photosynthesis (in plants).

What is the function of the Cell membrane?

Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

What is the function of the Nucleus?

Contains the cell's DNA; controls cell activities.

What is the function of the Vacuole?

Stores water, nutrients, and waste.

What is homeostasis?

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment in the cell or body.

What is passive transport?

Movement across the cell membrane without using energy.

What are the types of passive transport discussed in class?

Diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.

As a result of mitosis, what happens to each of the two new cells produced from the parent cell during cytokinesis?

Receives an exact copy of all the chromosomes present in the parent cell.

Mitosis is a process by which what happens?

A cell's nucleus divides.

How are mitosis and cancer related?

Cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell division essentially abnormal mitosis.

A cell in the stem tip of a corn plant contains 20 chromosomes. After this somatic cell divides, how many chromosomes should each daughter cell contain?

20

The cells in the diagram are gametes & are also called sperm cells. What is the process shown in the diagram known as?

Meiosis

What is the difference between anaphase of mitosis and anaphase I of meiosis?

Chromatids do not separate at the centromere in anaphase I.

What is fertilization?

The fusion of a sperm cell and an egg cell to form a zygote.

Are sperm and egg cells considered haploid (1n) or diploid (2n)?

Haploid (1n)

After fertilization, are the new cells considered haploid (1n) or diploid (2n)?

Diploid (2n)

Traits controlled by genes on the X chromosome are said to be what?

Sex-linked

What does allele mean with respect to genetics?

Alternate form of a gene.

What does homozygous mean with respect to genetics?

Same alleles for a trait.

What does heterozygous mean with respect to genetics?

Different alleles for a trait.

What does dominant mean with respect to genetics?

Allele that masks another.

What does recessive mean with respect to genetics?

Allele masked by the dominant allele.

What does incomplete dominance mean with respect to genetics?

A blend of two traits.

What does codominance mean with respect to genetics?

Both alleles fully expressed.

What are sex-linked traits in genetics?

Traits carried on sex chromosomes (X, Y).

There are multiple alleles for the ABO blood group. Why are there only two present in any one individual?

Each parent contributes only one allele for the ABO blood group to the child.

What is the number of autosomes and sex chromosomes in humans? What are the sex chromosomes for males and females?

Humans have 44 autosomes & 2 sex chromosomes. Males are XY & females are XX.

What is the function of Helicase during DNA replication?

Unwinds DNA

What is the function of DNA polymerase during DNA replication?

Adds nucleotides to new strands

What is transcription?

Copying DNA to RNA

Where does transcription occur?

In the nucleus

What molecules/organelles are involved in transcription?

RNA polymerase

What is translation?

Decoding mRNA into proteins

Where does translation occur?

In the ribosomes

What molecules/organelles are involved in translation?

Ribosomes, mRNA, tRNA

What is the function of mRNA?

Carries genetic code from DNA to ribosome.

What is the function of tRNA?

Brings amino acids to ribosome during translation.

What is the start codon?

AUG

What are the stop codons?

UAA, UAG, UGA

What kind of bonds form between the amino acids?

Peptide

Why is DNA so important for life?

Contains genetic info to build proteins