Cellular Level of Organization

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the cellular level of organization, including cell structure, function, and processes.

What is the basic functional unit of an organism?

The cell is the basic and functional unit of an organism.

What are the three major parts of a cell?

Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.

What is the structure that separates the intracellular from the extracellular environment?

The plasma membrane (PM) serves as a selective barrier separating intracellular from extracellular spaces.

Describe the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane.

The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane as a fluid lipid bilayer with a mosaic of diverse proteins.

Which process is critical for maintaining life at the cellular level?

Critical chemical reactions/processes including protein synthesis occur at the cellular level to maintain life.

What is osmosis?

Osmosis is the movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes are the site for protein synthesis.

What is the role of the Golgi complex?

The Golgi complex modifies, sorts, packages, and transports proteins received from the rough ER.

What happens during facilitated diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion is when solutes that are too polar or highly charged cross the membrane with the assistance of integral membrane proteins.

What is the main function of lysosomes?

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

What is apoptosis?

Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs when a triggering agent activates suicide enzymes within the cell.

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis is somatic cell division producing identical cells, while meiosis is reproductive cell division producing gametes.

What is the significance of protein synthesis in cells?

Synthesized proteins determine the physical and chemical characteristics of cells and therefore of the organisms formed from them.

What is the primary active transport mechanism in cells?

The sodium-potassium (Na+-K+) ATPase pump is a primary active transport mechanism that pumps sodium out and potassium into the cell.

Define cytoskeleton.

The cytoskeleton consists of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments that maintain cell shape and structure.

What does a hypotonic solution do to a cell?

A hypotonic solution causes a cell to take on water and potentially lyse.

What are the major components of the cell theory?

The major components of the cell theory are: 1) All living organisms are composed of cells, 2) Cells are the basic unit of life, and 3) All cells arise from pre-existing cells.