Cell and Cellular Organelles Flashcards

Flashcards about cells and cellular organelles

What is a cell?

The smallest, basic unit of life that is responsible for all of life’s processes.

What are the basic structures of a cell?

A fluid called the cytoplasm, biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and a nucleus.

Who was Zacharias Janssen?

Invented the first compound microscope in 1590.

Who was Robert Hooke?

Used a light microscope to look at thin slices of plant tissue (cork), saw tiny chambers, and coined the term ‘cell’ in 1665.

Who was Anton van Leeuwenhoek?

First to see living microscopic organisms and termed these microorganisms ‘animalcules’ in 1673.

Who was Matthias Schleiden?

Concluded that “All living plants are made of cells” in 1838 and is credited for developing the first two tenets of cell theory (with Schwann).

Who was Theodore Schwann?

Concluded that “All living animals are made of cells” in 1839 and is credited for developing the first two tenets of cell theory (with Schleiden).

Who was Rudolph Virchow?

Concluded that “Where a cell exists, there must have been a pre-existing cell” in 1855 and is credited for developing the third tenet of the cell theory.

What is the first tenet of the Cell Theory?

All organisms consist of one or more cells.

What is the second tenet of the Cell Theory?

The cell is the basic unit of structure for all organisms.

What is the third tenet of the Cell Theory?

All cells arise only from preexisting cells.

What is a cell organelle?

A membrane-enclosed intracellular compartment with specific structural and functional properties.

What are the major cell organelles?

Cell Membrane, Cytoplasm, Nucleus, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Ribosome, Golgi Body, Mitochondria, Lysosome, Plastid, and Vacuoles.

What is the function of the Cell Membrane?

Functions as the selectively permeable membrane, permitting the entry of selective materials in and out of the cell. Provides shape and protects the inner contents of the cell.

What is the Cytoplasm?

A jelly-like substance within the cell membrane, composed of water, organic and inorganic compounds, where all the cell organelles are embedded.

What is the Nucleus?

A double-membraned organelle that functions as the control center of the cellular activities and is the storehouse of the cell’s DNA.

What is the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

A network of canals attached to the nucleus that acts as the transport system of the cell.

What is the function of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum?

Involved in protein synthesizing.

What is the function of Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum?

Associated with the production of lipids and steroids.

What are Ribosomes?

Non-membrane-bound organelles that includes protein synthesis in all living cells that ensure the survival of the cell .

What is the Golgi Apparatus?

A membrane-bound organelle responsible for transporting, modifying, and packaging proteins and lipids to targeted destinations.

What are Mitochondria?

The powerhouses of the cell as they produce energy-rich molecules for the cell in the form of ATP.

What are Lysosomes?

Organelles that digest the waste product of cells and respond to foreign substances entering the cell by engulfing them.

What are Plastids?

Large, membrane-bound organelles which contain pigments and can be chloroplasts, chromoplasts, or leucoplasts.

What is the function of Chloroplasts?

Give plants green color because of the presence of chlorophyll.

What is the function of Chromoplasts?

Provide the plants with their characteristic color – yellow, orange, red, etc.

What is the function of Leucoplasts?

Colorless plastids which store nutrients.

What are Vacuoles?

Storage bubbles enclosed by a membrane that store food, nutrients, and waste products.

What are the similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

Cell Membrane, Genetic Material, Ribosomes, and Cytoplasm.

What is the cell arrangement of eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

Eukaryotes are often multicellular whereas prokaryotes are unicellular.

What is the existence of a nucleus in eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes?

Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus, while prokaryotic cells have no nucleus.

What is the DNA structure of eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes?

Eukaryotic DNA is linear and complex, while prokaryotic DNA is circular and simple.

What is the method of sexual reproduction for eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes?

Most eukaryotes undergo sexual reproduction whilst prokaryotes reproduce asexually via binary fission.