Cell Structure and Function

Flashcards covering key concepts related to cell structure, functions, and processes involved in cell division.

What are the basic functional units of complex organisms?

Cells

What is the composition of the plasma membrane?

Phospholipid bilayer, proteins, glycolipids, and cholesterol.

What is the protoplasm?

The living substance of the cell, consisting of cytoplasm and karyoplasm.

What percentage of cytoplasm is composed of water?

75%.

What are the structural components of the cytoplasm?

Organelles, inclusions, and cytoskeleton.

What organelles are involved in the synthesis of proteins?

Ribosomes, Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER), and Golgi apparatus.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

Synthesis of carbohydrates, modification, and sorting of proteins.

What is endocytosis?

The process whereby a cell ingests macromolecules and particulate matter.

What do lysosomes contain and what is their function?

Contain acid hydrolases; aid in digesting microorganisms and cellular debris.

What is the function of mitochondria?

Perform oxidative phosphorylation and lipid synthesis.

What are chromatins?

Complex of DNA and proteins that represents the relaxed, uncoiled chromosomes.

What is the difference between heterochromatin and euchromatin?

Heterochromatin is condensed and inactive, while euchromatin is active and transcribed into RNA.

What happens during telophase of mitosis?

Nuclear envelope begins to reform, and cell division starts.

What is the result of meiosis?

Four genetically distinct haploid daughter cells.

What is the significance of crossing over in meiosis?

It results in genetic variation by mixing chromosomes.

What differs in the process of mitosis compared to meiosis?

Mitosis results in identical diploid cells, while meiosis results in genetically different haploid cells.

What is the role of centrioles during cell division?

They organize microtubules and are essential for proper segregation of chromosomes.