Structure of eukaryotic cells

• Define the term eukaryotic cell.

  • DNA is contained in a nucleus
  • contains membrane bound organelles
• Describe the structure and function of the cell-surface membrane.

  • fluid mosaic phospholipid bilayer
  • selectively permeable to allow substances to enter and exit the cell
  • involved in cell signalling / cell recognition
• Explain the role of cholesterol, glycoproteins & glycolipids in the cell surface membrane

  cholesterol - > steroid molecule connects phospholipids and reduces fluidity

  glycoproteins -> cell signalling, cell recognition & binding cells together

  glycolipids -> cell signalling and cell recognition
• Describe the structure and function of the nucleus

  • surrounded by nuclear envelope (semi- permeable double membrane)
  • contains nuclear pores which allow substances to enter / exit
  • contains nucleolus - which produces and assembles ribosomes
  • manages genetic information - controls cells activities
• Describe the structure and function of mitochondria

  • surrounded by double membrane - inner membrane forms cristae
  • fluid matrix - contains mitochondrial DNA, respiratory enzymes, lipids and proteins
  • releases energy through cellular respiration
• Describe the structure and function of chloroplasts

  • contains chlorophyll - traps light for photosynthesis
  • synthesises food by photosynthesis
  • stores energy
  • fatty acid / amino acid sythesis
• Describe the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus.

  • stacked flattened membrane
  • modifies, packages and processes proteins for transport
• Describe the function of a lysosome

  • contains digestive enzymes
  • break down / recycling of cellular waste
  • programmed cell death
  • cell signalling
  • regulate metabolism
• Describe the structure and function of a ribosome

  • formed from proteins and rRNA
  • performs protein synthesis
• Describe the structure and function of the rough ER

  • has ribosomes on it
  • produces proteins
  • synthesises proteins
• Describe the structure and function of the smooth ER

  • long network of a folded - tube structure
  • makes cellular products like hormones and lipids
  • distributes products
  • processes toxins
• Describe the structure of the cell wall in bacteria and plants, state its function

  Bacteria:

  made of murein

  Plants:

  made of microfibrils

  • mechanical support and strength
  • physical barrier against pathogens
• Describe the function of the vacuole in plants

  stores water and food (sap)