lc biology - cell structure

key words and terms for leaving cert biology cell structure

cell

smallest unit of matter that can carry out all processes of life; make up all living things

cell membrane composition

no definite shape, made of phospholipids and protein bilayer

cell membrane function

controls what enters and leaves cell, acts as boundary of cell

nucleus composition

surrounded by double membrane, contains chromosomes (DNA, protein)

nucleus function

control centre of cell

nucleolus composition

DNA, RNA, proteins

nucleolus function

produces RNA

nuclear membrane composition

double layer of plasma membrane

nuclear membrane function

contains nucleus

nuclear pore composition

gaps in the membrane with protein complexes

nuclear pore function

controls what enters and leaves membrane, particularly RNA

vacuole composition

membrane-bound sac within cytoplasm

vacuole function

support, storage, waste disposal, protection, growth

mitochondrion composition

double-membraned, rod-like organelle with DNA

mitochondrion function

aerobic respiration

ribosome composition

RNA and protein

ribosome function

produces protein

cytoplasm composition

clear, watery fluid that fills cell which contains all organelles, enzymes, salts, other molecules

cytoplasm function

most cell reactions take place here

cell wall composition

permeable, rigid structure found just outside membrane made up of cellulose

cell wall function

structural support

chloroplast composition

double-membraned organelle with chlorophyll and DNA

chloroplast function

photosynthesis

microscope

instrument used to magnify small objects/organisms

electron microscope

uses electrons instead of light so resolution is better and magnification is greater

lenses

magnification

stage

to put slide on

diaphragm

controls amount of light

clips

hold slide in place

coarse focus knob

focus image

fine focus knob

precisely focus image

light

supply light to view specimen

prokaryotic cell

does not possess a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles, e.g. bacteria

eukaryotic cell

contains a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, e.g. anything but bacteria