Cell Biology: Chloroplasts and Cytoskeleton

Vocabulary flashcards covering chloroplasts and the three components of the cytoskeleton, including their protein compositions and functions.

Chloroplast

An organelle found only in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Cytoskeleton

A network of structural proteins comprising three components: microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal structures made of tubulin that function in cell support and transport, and form cilia and flagella.

Tubulin

The main protein that makes up microtubules.

Microfilaments

Cytoskeletal structures made of actin that function in movement and tension/pulling forces.

Actin

The main protein that makes up microfilaments.

Intermediate Filaments

Cytoskeletal structures made of keratin that function in tension bearing, permanent structure, and anchoring.

Keratin

The main protein that makes up intermediate filaments.

Cilia and Flagella

Cellular motility structures made out of microtubules.

Do animal cells have cell walls? Do plant cells? Describe the structure of a cell wall, including what it’s made out of.

Animal cells generally don’t have cell walls, but plant cells do. The cell wall is made out of cellulose.

Define extra-cellular matrix.

Extracellular matrix is the outside of cell.