Function of the Cell Wall
Protects the cell from external damage.
Maintains the overall shape of the cell.
Prevents excessive water uptake and loss.
Effect on Antibiotics
The structure of the bacterial cell wall influences its susceptibility to antibiotics.
Overuse of antibiotics reduces their effectiveness; it's crucial to finish prescribed courses.
Composition of Cell Walls
Bacterial cell walls contain peptidoglycan.
Archaeal cell walls do not contain peptidoglycan and exhibit great diversity in composition.
Membrane Structure
Archaeal membranes contain saturated hydrocarbons attached to glycerol at both ends.
Functionality of Flagella
Present in some prokaryotic cells, potentially having multiple flagella.
Used for locomotion, moving the cell through rotary motion (like a propeller).
Structure of Flagella
Composed of a hook, filament, and covered with peptidoglycan.
The motor uses hydrogen ions (H+) to generate energy to spin the flagellum.
Flagella in Archaea
Known as archaealum, and may have an S-layer as a protective structure.
The motor uses ATP for energy instead of protons.
Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cells
Can be unicellular or multicellular.
Have a membrane-bound nucleus that contains genetic material.
Exhibit compartmentalization through membrane-bound organelles (e.g. mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).
Contain a cytoskeleton, providing support and maintaining cell shape.
Common Structures
Both have plasma membranes, nuclei, mitochondria.
Eukaryotic characteristics include membrane-bound organelles and cytoskeleton.
Unique Structures in Plant Cells
Cell Wall: A rigid outer layer providing support.
Chloroplasts: Organelles for photosynthesis.
Central Vacuoles: Large storage spaces for water, nutrients, and waste.
Functions
Controls cell activities, stores genetic material (DNA).
Components
Nuclear Envelope: A double phospholipid membrane surrounding the nucleus that regulates material entry and exit.
Nucleolus: Region within the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized.
Nuclear Pores: Openings allowing materials to pass in and out of the nucleus.
Roles
Ribosomes are the protein factories of cells, synthesizing proteins from amino acids.
Found in all cell types across three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes.
Types of RNA Involved
mRNA: Carries instructions from DNA to ribosomes.
tRNA: Assembles the correct amino acids into proteins.
Functionality
A system of membranes within eukaryotic cells that compartmentalizes various cell functions (e.g. protein synthesis, lipid production).
Differentiates between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells due to its presence in eukaryotes only.
Types of ER
Rough ER: Has ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis and processes proteins for secretion, lysosomes, or plasma membranes.
Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.
Rough vs Smooth ER Functionality
Rough ER is more abundant in cells producing digestive enzymes (e.g. pancreatic cells).
Smooth ER is more abundant in cells detoxifying substances (e.g. liver cells).
Focus Areas for Study
Familiarize with bolded terms and relevant tests or experiments from the lab manual.
Pay special attention to the structure and function differences between plant and animal cells.