Cell Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell structure and function, including types of cells, organelles, and cellular processes.

What are the basic structural and functional units of every organism?

Cells

What are the two types of cells?

Prokaryotes and eukaryotes

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells' DNA?

Prokaryotic DNA is in the nucleoid region, while eukaryotic DNA is in the nucleus.

Name three types of endomembrane organelles.

Nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex.

What is compartmentalization in organelles?

Organization that allows different metabolic reactions to occur in different locations.

What are the unique cell components found in plant cells?

Chloroplasts, central vacuole, cell wall, plasmodesmata.

What is the function of the nucleus?

Contains chromosomes and regulates entry and exit of materials via nuclear pores.

What is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) before leaving the nucleus?

DNA.

What is the primary function of ribosomes?

Synthesize proteins.

Where are free ribosomes found?

In the cytosol.

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough ER and smooth ER.

What do lysosomes do?

Hydrolyze macromolecules and recycle cellular materials.

What is the main function of the Golgi complex?

Modify, sort, and package materials for secretion or for transport to other organelles.

What is the primary function of mitochondria?

Site of cellular respiration.

What does the endosymbiont theory state?

It explains that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

What do chloroplasts contain that is essential for photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll.

What are the three types of fibers in the cytoskeleton?

Microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.

What are microtubules made of?

The protein tubulin.

What are microfilaments primarily made of?

The protein actin.

What is the role of intermediate filaments in cells?

They maintain cell shape and anchor organelles.