Nucleus and Cytoplasm Review

Flashcards covering the nucleus, gene expression, cytoplasm, cytoplasmic organelles, and mitochondria based on the lecture notes.

What is the nucleus?

An essential component of most living cells that contains DNA, RNA, and nuclear proteins.

What major components of the nucleus are seen by electron microscopy?

Nuclear membrane, chromatin (which becomes chromosomes during mitosis), and the nucleolus.

What does chromatin become during mitosis?

Chromosomes.

What is the nucleolus?

A region within the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized and ribosome subunits begin to assemble.

Where does transcription occur?

In the nucleus.

What is produced by transcription?

An RNA transcript (such as mRNA).

What carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis?

tRNA.

What is a codon?

A triplet of nucleotides in mRNA that specifies an amino acid.

Where does translation occur?

In the cytoplasm on ribosomes, and on membranes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

What is produced by translation?

Proteins.

What is hyaloplasm?

The amorphous, gel-like matrix of the cytoplasm.

Name the cytoplasmic organelles listed.

Mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes.

What separates the cytoplasm from the extracellular fluid?

The plasma membrane.

Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria.

What surrounds mitochondria?

A double membrane.

What structures do mitochondria contain to increase surface area?

Cristae.

What is the primary function of mitochondria?

Generation of energy through cellular respiration and ATP production.

What enzymes participate in cellular respiration and ATP production in mitochondria?

Oxidative enzymes.