Cell Biology Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Cell Biology lecture notes, focusing on cellular structures, functions, and processes.

What are the two categories of cells that organisms can be divided into?

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes.

What is the primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What are two examples of unicellular organisms?

E. coli and Amoeba.

What cellular structures comprise the endomembrane system?

Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, Vesicles, and Lysosomes.

What is the main function of mitochondria?

The primary role of the mitochondrion is to serve as the site of cellular respiration, where glucose is metabolized to synthesize ATP.

What structures are unique to plant cells?

Chloroplasts, a large central vacuole, tonoplast, cell wall, and plasmodesmata.

What are the components of a cell membrane?

Phospholipids, proteins, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and cholesterol.

How do lysosomes function in a cell?

Lysosomes digest food/foreign particles and remove unwanted or damaged organelles.

What is the difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion?

Diffusion is the movement of molecules down a concentration gradient without assistance, while facilitated diffusion involves the aid of transport proteins.

What are the three main modes of transport across cell membranes?

Passive Transport, Active Transport, and Bulk Transport.

What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

Cholesterol helps regulate membrane fluidity, maintain mechanical stability, and prevent leakage of small polar molecules.

What is the function of the Golgi Apparatus?

The GA chemically modifies, sorts, and packages cellular macromolecules for secretion or use within the cell.

What are the three types of cytoskeletal fibers?

Microtubules, Microfilaments, and Intermediate Filaments.

What is endocytosis?

The process of intake of substances by invagination of the cell surface membrane, forming a vesicle.

What is the significance of cell membranes being selectively permeable?

It allows the separation of cell contents from the external environment and the control of what enters and exits the cell.

What is the primary role of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts function as the site of photosynthesis, synthesizing sugars from carbon dioxide and water using light energy.