Animal Cell: Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

How does the structure of the plasma membrane relate to its function of regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell?

The plasma membrane's phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins allows selective passage. The hydrophobic tails of the phospholipids prevent polar molecules from easily crossing, while transport proteins facilitate the movement of specific molecules.

Why is the presence of a double membrane in mitochondria essential for its function in cellular respiration?

The double membrane creates compartments (outer membrane, inner membrane, and matrix) that are essential for establishing proton gradients and housing the electron transport chain, both critical for ATP production during cellular respiration.

Differentiate between the functions of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) based on their structural differences.

The RER, studded with ribosomes, is primarily involved in protein synthesis and transport, whereas the SER, lacking ribosomes, is responsible for lipid synthesis and transport.

Describe how the nucleus controls cellular activities by regulating substance exchange with the cytoplasm.

<p>The nucleus controls cellular activities via nuclear pores in the nuclear envelope by regulating the passage of molecules such as mRNA and proteins involved in DNA replication, transcription, and translation between the nucleus and cytoplasm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do centrioles contribute to cell division in animal cells, and why are they considered exclusive to animal cells?

<p>Centrioles organize the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes during cell division. They are exclusive to animal cells because plant cells utilize other mechanisms to achieve chromosome separation without centrioles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Plasma Membrane

A thin layer of proteins and phospholipids that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like substance filling the cell, where organelles are suspended and biochemical reactions occur.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, directing synthesis and activity through DNA.

Mitochondria

Organelles with a double membrane, responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production.

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Golgi Apparatus

Packages and transports proteins and glycoproteins, characterized by budding vesicles.

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Study Notes

Animal Cell Structure and Function

  • Focus on the structure of animal cells and their components
  • Emphasis on understanding the organelles and their functions
  • Labeling cell parts is more common than drawing the cell

Plasma Membrane

  • Thin layer of proteins and phospholipids
  • Regulates substance movement into and out of the cell
  • Semi-permeable

Cytoplasm

  • Gel-like medium where organelles are suspended
  • Site of biochemical reactions like respiration and photosynthesis

Nucleus

  • Controls cellular synthesis and activities
  • Regulates substance exchange with the cytoplasm
  • Chromatin is condensed chromosomes
  • Nucleolus is located inside
  • Nuclear pores connect to the endoplasmic reticulum
  • Nucleoplasm is the space inside, surrounded by the nuclear envelope

Mitochondria

  • Cylindrical organelles with a double membrane
  • Site of cellular respiration
  • Energy released as ATP
  • Outer membrane, inner membrane (cristae), and matrix are key structures

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

  • Usually attached to the nucleus
  • Transports proteins made by ribosomes

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

  • Synthesizes and transports lipids
  • Not connected to the nucleus

Golgi Apparatus

  • Packages and transports proteins and glycoproteins
  • Vesicles budding off are a key feature

Ribosome

  • Spherical organelles, free in cytoplasm or attached to rough ER
  • Synthesizes proteins

Centrioles

  • Exclusive to animal cells
  • Form spindle fibers during cell division

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