Cell Organelles: 40 flashcards
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1. What is the function of the **nucleus**?
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The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cell activities such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
2. Describe the structure of the **nucleus**.
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It is surrounded by a double membrane called the **nuclear envelope**, which has pores. Inside is the **nucleolus** and chromatin (DNA + proteins).
3. What is the role of the **nucleolus**?
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The nucleolus is a dense region inside the nucleus where **ribosomes** are synthesized.
4. What is the function of **ribosomes**?
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Ribosomes are the site of **protein synthesis** (translation). They assemble amino acids into polypeptides.
5. Where are **ribosomes** found in a cell?
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They are found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the **rough endoplasmic reticulum**.
6. What is the function of the **endoplasmic reticulum (ER)**?
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The ER is involved in **transport** of materials within the cell, **protein synthesis** (rough ER), and **lipid synthesis** (smooth ER).
7. How do **rough ER** and **smooth ER** differ?
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**Rough ER** has ribosomes attached and makes proteins; **smooth ER** lacks ribosomes and makes lipids and detoxifies substances.
8. What is the function of the **Golgi apparatus**?
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The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport or secretion.
9. Describe the structure of the **Golgi apparatus**.
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It consists of flattened, stacked membrane sacs called **cisternae** and associated vesicles.
10. What is the function of **lysosomes**?
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Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign substances.
11. Why are **lysosomes** called 'suicide bags'?
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Because if a lysosome ruptures, its enzymes can digest the cell itself (autolysis).
12. What is the function of **mitochondria**?
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Mitochondria are the site of **cellular respiration**, producing ATP, the cell's energy currency.
13. Describe the structure of a **mitochondrion**.
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It has a double membrane; the inner membrane is folded into **cristae**, increasing surface area. The interior is the **matrix**.
14. What is the function of **chloroplasts**?
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Chloroplasts carry out **photosynthesis**, converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
15. What is the structure of a **chloroplast**?
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It has a double membrane, internal stacks of **thylakoids** (grana), and a fluid **stroma** containing enzymes and DNA.
16. What is the function of **vacuoles**?
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Vacuoles store water, nutrients, and waste; in plant cells, the large central vacuole maintains **turgor pressure**.
17. How does the **central vacuole** in plant cells differ from vacuoles in animal cells?
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Plant cells typically have one large central vacuole; animal cells have small, temporary vacuoles.
18. What is the function of the **cell membrane**?
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The cell membrane regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell (selective permeability).
19. What is the **fluid mosaic model** of the cell membrane?
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It describes the membrane as a fluid phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that move laterally.
20. What is the function of the **cell wall**?
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The cell wall provides structural support, protection, and shape to plant cells, fungi, and some bacteria.
21. What is the main component of the **plant cell wall**?
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**Cellulose** is the primary structural polysaccharide in plant cell walls.
22. What is the function of **cytoskeleton**?
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The cytoskeleton provides shape, support, and movement of cell parts; it includes microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
23. What are **centrioles** and what is their role?
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Centrioles are cylindrical organelles that help organize microtubules during cell division (spindle formation).
24. Which organelles are found in plant cells but not in animal cells?
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**Chloroplasts**, a large **central vacuole**, and a **cell wall**.
25. Which organelles are found in animal cells but not in plant cells?
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**Centrioles** (typically) and **lysosomes** (though plant cells may have similar functions).
26. What is the function of **peroxisomes**?
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Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances, producing hydrogen peroxide which they then neutralize.
27. What is the role of **vesicles** in a cell?
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Vesicles transport materials between organelles and to/from the cell membrane.
28. How does the **nuclear envelope** control movement?
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The nuclear envelope has **nuclear pores** that regulate the transport of molecules (like RNA and proteins) between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
29. What is the **endomembrane system**?
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It is a network of membranes including the nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi, lysosomes, and vesicles that work together in protein and lipid synthesis and transport.
30. What is the function of **chromatin**?
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Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins (histones) that packages DNA into a compact form within the nucleus.
31. What is the difference between **prokaryotic** and **eukaryotic** cells regarding organelles?
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Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles (no nucleus, mitochondria, ER, etc.); eukaryotic cells have them.
32. Which organelle is responsible for **ATP production**?
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**Mitochondria** produce ATP through cellular respiration.
33. What is the function of **thylakoids**?
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Thylakoids are membrane sacs inside chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.
34. What is the **stroma**?
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The stroma is the fluid-filled space inside a chloroplast surrounding the thylakoids; it is the site of the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).
35. What is the role of **cristae** in mitochondria?
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Cristae are folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane that increase surface area for ATP production.
36. What is the function of the **Golgi apparatus** in secretion?
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It packages proteins into vesicles that fuse with the cell membrane, releasing contents outside the cell (exocytosis).
37. What is **autophagy**?
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Autophagy is the process by which lysosomes digest the cell's own damaged organelles and macromolecules.
38. What is the function of **microvilli**?
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Microvilli are finger-like projections of the cell membrane that increase surface area for absorption.
39. Which organelle is known as the **'brain' of the cell**?
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The **nucleus** is often called the brain of the cell because it controls cell activities.
40. What is the function of **flagella** and **cilia**?
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They are hair-like structures that aid in cell movement or move substances across the cell surface.
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