Chapter 5- The Cell is the Basic Unit of Life

First Cells 

Prokaryotes the bacteria and archea.

LUCA

Last Universal Common Ancestors: first cells that were prokaryotes.

Prokaryotic Cells

Smaller, structurally simple lacking a nucleus and energy converting organelles.

Eukaryotes

Larger, have a cell nucleus, organelles, a cytoskeleton and usually have energy converting organelles including the mitochondria.

Membrane

Separates the living cell from the outside world called plasma membrane or phospholipid bilayer.

Cytoplasm

Watery mix of minerals and chemicals used to cary out many of cell’s functions and includes all material inside the cell.

Transcription

Occurs when information in the DNA is copied to make mRNA that carries genetic information to the ribosomes.

Ribosomes

Large molecular complexes made of proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

Translation

Occurs in the ribosome where the information in the mRNA is used to make proteins.

tRNA

Transfer RNA brings amino acids to ribosomes to where proteins are made.

Chirality 

Amino acids share this they are all left-handed

Endosymbiosis

one organism lives inside the cells of another (endo-within, symbiosis-living together)

Mitochondria

Makes most of ATP in eukaryotes

Apoptosis

Process of programmed cell death.

Nuclear envolope

Double membrane structure surrounding the nucleus.

Nuclear Pores

Small protein channels that serve as the gatekeepers of the nucleus regulating materials entering or exiting the nucleus.

Endomembrane system

System made up of organelles wither directly of indirectly connected to each other.

Endoplasmic Reticulum 

Series of passageways whose purpose is to create, process, and transport molecules to be used inside or outside the cell. (Rough, smooth, sarcoplasmic)

Golgi Body (apparatus)

Highly dynamic organelle consisting of a series of sacs that packages and directs proteins to their final location, including excreting them out of the cell and making lysosomes.

Lysosomes

Break down large organic molecules, viruses, damaged or old organelles, and foreign cells using digestive enzymes.

Vacuoles 

Prominent in plant cells, store carbohydrates, pigments, water and minerals, and toxins. 

Peroxisomes

Derived from ER used to break down oxidative molecules, fatty acids, and other metabolic functions.

Cytoskeleton

Helps organize cell structure and activities by moving organelles where they need to be or helping maintain rigidity.

Microfilaments (Actin)

Smallest part of cytoskeleton involved in cytoplasmic streaming and muscle movement as well as can be a temporary structure in cell. 

Keratin Fibers

Strong permanent structure in cytoskeleton are made of a class of different proteins (hair, nails, horns).

Microtubules

Resemble hollow tubes, can be taken down and rebuilt in cell when needed, form cilia, and flagella for cell movement, also arrange chromosomes when cells divide.