Unit 1a – Organelles & Cell Transport Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts about cell types, organelles, homeostasis, protein synthesis, plant vs animal cells, and basic transport across membranes.

What are the two main types of cells?

Prokaryotic cells (bacteria) and eukaryotic cells (plants and animals).

What is a key characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

They do not contain a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

What is a key feature of eukaryotic cells?

They contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Do plant and animal cells both contain mitochondria?

Yes, both have mitochondria.

Which organelle is unique to plant cells for photosynthesis?

Chloroplasts.

What large organelle gives plant cells their water storage capacity?

A large central vacuole.

What structural feature is present in plant cells but not in animal cells?

A cell wall.

What basic components do all cells share?

Cell membrane, DNA/chromosomes, and ribosomes.

Where is the genetic information that codes for proteins located?

In the nucleus.

Where are proteins synthesized?

At the ribosome.

Describe the path a protein takes from synthesis to export.

Ribosome → endoplasmic reticulum → Golgi apparatus → vesicles for delivery.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

To modify, sort, and package proteins in vesicles for delivery.

What is the role of chloroplasts?

Capture solar energy and convert it to chemical energy (glucose) via photosynthesis.

What is the role of mitochondria?

Break down glucose to produce ATP during cellular respiration.

What is turgor pressure and what causes it in plant cells?

Pressure from the central vacuole pushing the cell membrane against the cell wall, giving rigidity.

What happens if animal cells take in too much water?

They can lyse (burst) because they lack a rigid cell wall.

Which organelle contains digestive enzymes for breakdown and recycling?

Lysosomes.

What structures transport or store materials and water in cells?

Vesicles and vacuoles.

What does the cell membrane regulate?

What enters and exits the cell (selective permeability).

What is passive transport?

Movement of molecules down their concentration gradient, no energy required; from high to low concentration.

What is active transport?

Movement against the concentration gradient, requiring ATP; from low to high concentration.

What is diffusion?

Movement of molecules directly through the lipid bilayer from high to low concentration.

What is facilitated diffusion?

Diffusion through membrane proteins (facilitated by transport proteins).

What is osmosis?

Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What is the sodium-potassium pump?

A transporter that moves Na+ and K+ ions against their concentration gradients.

What are endocytosis and exocytosis?

Endocytosis brings materials into the cell; exocytosis releases materials from the cell.