Cell Biology Study Guide Flashcards

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering cell theory, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cell characteristics, eukaryotic organelles, plant vs. animal cell structures, and energy transformations via photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

What are the three core principles of the Cell Theory?

1. All living things are made of cells.
2. The cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of life.
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

What is the sequence of biological organization at the organism level?

Cells $\rightarrow$ Tissues $\rightarrow$ Organs $\rightarrow$ Organ Systems $\rightarrow$ Organism

What is the sequence of organization at the molecular level?

Atoms $\rightarrow$ Molecules $\rightarrow$ Macromolecules $\rightarrow$ Cellular Structures

Which two domains are composed of prokaryotic cells?

Bacteria and Archaea

What groups of organisms belong to the domain Eukarya?

Plants, Animals, Fungi, and Protista

Where is DNA located in prokaryotes versus eukaryotes?

In prokaryotes, DNA is free in the cytoplasm in a nucleoid region (not membrane-bound); in eukaryotes, DNA is enclosed inside a membrane-bound nucleus.

What are the typical size ranges of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes typically measure $\sim 0.1 - 5\,\mu\text{m}$ (or $1 - 10\,\mu\text{m}$), whereas eukaryotes measure $\sim 10 - 100\,\mu\text{m}$ (or larger).

What chemical compound makes up the cell wall of bacteria, and is it present in archaea?

Bacterial cell walls contain peptidoglycan, while archaea have no peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

What four cell components are shared by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and DNA.

What is the role of the cell membrane, and why is it compared to a "gatekeeper"?

It is selectively permeable, regulates what enters and leaves the cell, maintains homeostasis, and assists with cellular communication and recognition.

What is the primary function of ribosomes, and are they membrane-bound organelles?

Ribosomes make proteins and are not membrane-bound.

What is the function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

The nucleus holds the cell's genetic material (DNA).

How do the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) differ in structure and function?

Rough ER has ribosomes attached and synthesizes and transports proteins; Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is responsible for lipid synthesis and detoxification.

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

What is the function of lysosomes in eukaryotic cells?

Lysosomes break down waste materials.

What structures distinguish plant cells from animal cells?

Plant cells have a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts, and one large central vacuole, giving them a more rigid shape. Animal cells lack cell walls and chloroplasts, have small vacuoles (or vesicles), have centrioles, and feature a more flexible shape.

What is the function of centrioles in animal cells?

Centrioles help with cell division.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton?

The cytoskeleton gives the cell its shape and helps with movement.

What chemical equation represents photosynthesis?

$$CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + O_2$$

What chemical equation represents cellular respiration?

$$C_6H_{12}O_6 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O + ATP$$

How do the energy transformations in photosynthesis compare to those in cellular respiration?

Photosynthesis captures light energy and stores it as chemical energy in sugar ($\text{glucose}$), while cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release energy in the form of $ATP$.

In which organisms do cellular respiration and photosynthesis take place?

Cellular respiration takes place in all eukaryotes (both plant and animal cells), whereas photosynthesis takes place only in plant cells (and algae).