Biol-021

Review for Lecture 4 Cells

What are the three tenets of the cell theory?
1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells
2. Cell is the basic unit of life
3. All cells arise from previously existing cells
What are the two cells types? Prokaryotic cells (Bacteria, Archaea) and
Eukaryotic cells (Eukarya)
Which domain contains organisms made up of prokaryotic cells?
Bacteria and Archaea
Which domain contains organisms made up of eukaryotic cells?
Eukarya
What are the characteristics of prokaryotic cells?
No nucleus
Single celled (unicellular)
No membrane-bound
Single circular molecule of
organelles
DNA localized in a nucleoid
Smaller in size
Reproduce by binary fission
What are the characteristics of eukaryotic cells?
Nucleus
DNA in the form of linear
chromosomes localized in a
Membrane-bound organelles
nucleus
Larger in size
Reproduce by mitosis or
Uni- or multicellular
meiosis
What are the similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic
cells?
Both have a plasma
Both have ribosomes
membrane
Both obtain energy in form of
Both have DNA as their
ATP
genetic material
Both have the ability to
Both produce 3 types of RNA
reproduce and to synthesize
cell components

What is the structure and function of the plasma membrane?

The cell membrane is a fluid mosaic of proteins embedded in a
phospholipid bilayer. Note that animal cell membranes, but not plant
cell membranes, contain cholesterol. The other surface of the animal
cell membrane also features carbohydrate molecules linked to
proteins. A cell wall of cellulose fibers surrounds each plant cell.
Function: barrier; selective permeability (transport); metabolic
reactions (enzymes); cell membranes divide cell into compartments
What is the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane?
Several components (mosaic aspect); Components move freely within
membrane (Fluid aspect)
What is cytoplasm? Semi-fluid matrix (cytosol) that fills the interior
of the cell; contains organelles
What is the structure and function of the nucleus?
Contains genetic information- DNA
Nucleolus-synthesis of ribosomal RNA
Nuclear envelope-double phospholipid membrane
Nuclear pores- movement of molecules
What is the structure and function of the endoplasmic
reticulum?
Network of folded internal membranes
Rough ER (with ribosomes)-protein synthesis
Smooth ER (no ribosomes)-lipid synthesis
What is the function of the ribosomes? Sites of protein
synthesis; found on Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and
cytoplasm
What is the function of the Golgi complex? system of smooth
membranes; delivery system of the cell
What is the function of the lysosomes(not in plant cells)?
Intracellular digestion; break down old organelles
What is the function of a vacuole? Provide examples of a
vacuole. Membrane bound sac that contains some substance
Different types:
Food digests nutrients that the cell has engulfed
Contractile (Protists) pumps excess water out of the cell
Central (Plants)contains watery solution of enzymes that degrade
and recycle molecules and organelles
What is the structure and function of the mitochondrion?
Structure: double bilayer system; DNA in the form of circular
chromosomes
Function: site of cellular respiration; generates cells energy in the form
of ATP
What is the structure and function of the chloroplast? a
Structure: double bilayer system; DNA in the form of circular
chromosomes
Function: site of photosynthesisconversion of light into chemical
energy; chlorophyll-green pigment

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What is the structure and function of the cytoskeleton?

Structure: An intricate network of protein tracks and tubules;
includes three major components: microfilaments, intermediate
filaments, and microtubules
Function: Shape and structure; anchors organelles; cell movement; cell
division
What is the function of the centrioles?
Microtubule-organizing centers
Form spindle apparatus
Move chromosome during cell division
What is the function of the flagella and cilia?
Microtubules that project from cell surface
Function in movement
9+2 arrangement
What is the structure and function of the cell wall?
Structure: Plantscellulose
Bacteriapeptidoglycan
Fungichitin
Function: outside the plasma membrane; protection
Found in plants,fungi, some protists and some prokaryotes
What is the function of the chromoplasts? Store carotenoid
pigments; color fruits and flowers red to yellow
What is the function of the amyloplasts? No pigments; store
starch
What is the function of the cell junctions? Gap
junctionsanimal cells
Plasmodesmataplant cells

Allow communication between the

cytoplasm of adjacent cells; allow passage of
substances
What is the endosymbiotic theory? What is the evidence for
the endosymbiotic theory?
The idea that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living
bacteria engulfed by other prokaryotic cells
Start with two interdependent bacteria
One bacterium engulfs the other
One bacterium now lives inside the other
Both bacteria benefit from the arrangement
The internal bacteria are passed from generation to generation
Evidence:
Mitochondria and chloroplasts:
Have own DNA
Have own ribosomes
Have double bilayers of phospholipids
Divide on their own