Cell structure

• What are the distinguishing features of eukaryotic cells?

  Cytoplasm with membrane-bound organelles
• Where is DNA enclosed in eukaryotic cells?

  In a nucleus
• What is the general structure of eukaryotic cells?

  • Algal and fungal cells are similar to plant cells
  • Differences exist between them
• What is the structure of the cell-surface membrane?

  More detail in 2.3 Transport across cell membranes

  
• What is the function of the cell-surface membrane?

  It is selectively permeable
• How do molecules on the cell-surface membrane function?

  They allow cell recognition and signaling
• What is the structure of the nucleus?

  Holds genetic information
• What is the function of the nucleus?

  Stores genetic information coding for polypeptides
• What occurs at the nucleus during protein synthesis?

  Site of transcription producing mRNA
• What does the nucleolus produce?

  Ribosomes and rRNA
• What is the structure of a ribosome?

  Made of ribosomal RNA and protein
• What is the function of a ribosome?

  Site of protein synthesis (translation)
• What is the structure of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER)?

  Has ribosomes on its surface

  
• What is the function of rER?

  Synthesizes and processes proteins
• What happens to proteins in the rER?

  They are processed, folded, and transported
• What is the function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER)?

  Synthesizes and processes lipids

  
• What types of lipids does sER synthesize?

  Cholesterol and steroid hormones
• What is the structure of the Golgi apparatus?

  Modifies proteins and lipids
• What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

  Packages proteins and lipids into vesicles

  
• What do Golgi vesicles do?

  Transport proteins and lipids to destinations
• What is the structure of lysosomes?

  Release hydrolytic enzymes (lysozymes)
• What is the function of lysosomes?

  Break down pathogens or worn-out components

  
• What is the structure of mitochondria?

  Site of aerobic respiration
• What is the function of mitochondria?

  Produces ATP for energy release
• What is produced by mitochondria?

  ATP for protein synthesis and transport
• What is the structure of chloroplasts in plants and algae?

  Absorbs light energy for photosynthesis
• What is the function of chloroplasts?

  Produces organic substances like carbohydrates
• What is the structure of the cell wall in plants and algae?

  Composed mainly of cellulose
• What is the function of the cell wall in plants, algae, and fungi?

  Provides mechanical strength to the cell
• How does the cell wall prevent cell bursting?

  Prevents shape change under osmotic pressure
• What is the structure of the cell vacuole in plants?

  Maintains turgor pressure in the cell
• What is the function of the cell vacuole in plants?

  Stores sugars, amino acids, and pigments
• How are eukaryotic cells organized in multicellular organisms?

  • Specialized for specific functions
  • Form tissues, organs, and organ systems
• What is a tissue?

  • Group of specialized cells
  • Work together for a specific function
• What is an organ?

  • Aggregation of tissues
  • Performs specific functions
• What is an organ system?

  • Group of organs
  • Work together for specific functions
• How can you explain adaptations of eukaryotic cells?

  • Named cell has many named organelles
  • Link organelle function to cell function
• What are the distinguishing features of prokaryotic cells?

  Cytoplasm lacking membrane-bound organelles
• What is an example of prokaryotic organisms?

  Bacteria and archaea
• How do eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells compare in structure?

  • Eukaryotic: membrane-bound organelles, nucleus
  • Prokaryotic: no membrane-bound organelles, free DNA