Functions of Cells Flashcards

What is the smallest unit capable of performing life functions? A Cell

Cells Perform Life Functions

• 1. consume energy for reproduction and for the dehydration synthesis of all macromolecules

• 2. nutrition to obtain energy from food and molecules

  • heterotrophic nutrition - consumes other organisms

    • obtains carbs then hydrolyze it into glucose

  • autotrophic nutrition - making glucose molecules for energy

  • both supply monomers for synthesis of macromolecules

• 3. Growth and development

All of these reactions are an organism’s Metabolism

Cells Also Produce Waste

• 4. excrete metabolic wastes to maintain homeostasis

  • homeostasis - maintains stable internal conditions in response to changing external environments

• 5. regulation of metabolism and excretion

  • nervous and endocrine

All of these functions make up a Prokaryotic Cell, aka Bacteria

• made up of a membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, RNA, and ribosomes

• they are everywhere and in everything; essential for cell function

• Prokaryotes are only 10 mm in diameter, while Eukaryotes are 100 mm in diameter

  • extremely small