Biology Chapter: Plasma Membrane & Cell Types

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

  • The presence of ribosomes
  • The presence of a cell wall
  • The presence of a nucleus (correct)
  • The presence of DNA

What is the function of the phospholipid bilayer in the plasma membrane?

  • To provide structural support for the cell
  • To regulate the flow of water into and out of the cell
  • To facilitate the movement of large molecules across the membrane
  • To act as a barrier between the cell's interior and exterior (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

  • They have a complex internal structure with many organelles (correct)
  • They have cytoplasm
  • They lack a nucleus
  • They have a small size

What is the significance of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of phospholipids in the plasma membrane?

<p>They create a selectively permeable barrier that regulates the passage of molecules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of carbohydrate side chains attached to proteins or lipids on the outer surface of the plasma membrane?

<p>To act as receptors for cell signaling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the region between the nucleus and the plasma membrane in a eukaryotic cell?

<p>Cytosol (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the internal membranes within a eukaryotic cell?

<p>To create compartments for specialized metabolic processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best explains why prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells?

<p>Prokaryotic cells have a simpler structure and therefore require less space (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of the basic fabric of most biological membranes?

<p>Phospholipids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the plasma membrane of a eukaryotic cell and the membrane of an organelle?

<p>The plasma membrane encloses the entire cell, while organelle membranes enclose only specific compartments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of microvilli, a surface feature found on some eukaryotic cells?

<p>To increase the cell's surface area. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of proteins in cell membranes?

<p>Proteins play a diverse role in membrane function, including enzymatic activity and signal transduction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components of the eukaryotic cell is NOT considered an organelle?

<p>Plasma membrane (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

<p>Cellular respiration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between animal and plant cells, as discussed in the text?

<p>Plant cells have chloroplasts, while animal cells do not. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, how are membrane composition and function related?

<p>Membrane composition varies depending on the specific function of the membrane. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of messenger RNA (mRNA) in the cell?

<p>To carry information from DNA to ribosomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for regulating the entry and exit of molecules in and out of the nucleus?

<p>Pore complex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the nuclear lamina?

<p>To mechanically support the nuclear envelope (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of ribosomes?

<p>Ribosomal RNA and proteins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might the nuclear matrix help with within the nucleus?

<p>Organizing genetic material (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter of the pores in the nuclear envelope?

<p>100 nm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT considered an organelle according to the content?

<p>Ribosomes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The primary structure of a specific polypeptide is produced by which cellular process?

<p>Translation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between surface area and volume in cells?

<p>A high surface area-to-volume ratio facilitates material exchange. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are most cells microscopically small?

<p>To maintain a sufficient surface area for their volume. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell typically has a high surface area-to-volume ratio?

<p>Intestinal cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What helps explain the shape of some cells like nerve cells?

<p>Their surface area must accommodate their volume. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do larger organisms manage their cellular structure compared to smaller organisms?

<p>They have a greater number of smaller cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cells is important for those that need to exchange materials frequently?

<p>They should have long, thin projections. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which calculation is essential for understanding a cell's ability to interact with its environment?

<p>Total surface area-to-volume ratio. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What calculation would you perform to determine the surface area of a cubic cell?

<p>6 × Side Length. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do enzymes built into the ER membrane play in the formation of glycoproteins?

<p>They attach carbohydrates to proteins. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the rough ER related to secretory proteins?

<p>It synthesizes and modifies secretory proteins. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are new polypeptides processed as they are synthesized in the rough ER?

<p>They are threaded into the ER lumen and folded there. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are vesicles that transport proteins from the ER referred to as?

<p>Transport vesicles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes glycoproteins from regular proteins?

<p>Glycoproteins contain carbohydrates covalently bonded. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to secretory proteins once they are formed in the rough ER?

<p>They are wrapped in vesicles for transport. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the transitional ER?

<p>It is a specialized region where vesicles bud off. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the rough ER contribute to membrane formation in the cell?

<p>It adds membrane proteins and phospholipids to itself. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the radius of the mature parent cell is 1.5 micrometers, what is its surface area?

<p>113.04 square micrometers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating the volume of a sphere?

<p>V = 4/3πr³ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the diameter of the budding cell is 0.5 micrometers, what is its volume?

<p>0.0654 cubic micrometers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the plasma membrane of the new cell need to expand as it grows?

<p>To enclose the increasing volume of cytoplasm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate surface area of the new cell when it matures?

<p>28.26 square micrometers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate volume of the new cell when it matures?

<p>0.5236 cubic micrometers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The experiment described in the excerpt focuses on what biological process?

<p>Cell division (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the septin ring mentioned in the excerpt?

<p>It plays a role in the asymmetric localization of proteins during cell division. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Plasma membrane

A double layer of phospholipids with proteins embedded within it, forming the outer boundary of a cell.

Prokaryotic cell

A type of cell lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and most other organelles.

Eukaryotic cell

A type of cell with a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Cytoplasm

The internal environment of a cell, where the cytoplasm is located in eukaryotic cells.

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Cytosol

The region within a eukaryotic cell's cytoplasm, excluding the nucleus.

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Organelles

Specialized structures within a eukaryotic cell, performing specific functions. For example, mitochondria for energy production.

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Nucleus (in eukaryotic cells)

The central region within a eukaryotic cell, containing the genetic material (DNA).

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Hydrophilic

The water-loving part of a molecule, often attracted to water.

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Surface area-to-volume ratio

The ratio of a cell's surface area to its volume.

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Cell Membrane

The outer covering of a cell. Facilitates exchange of materials with the environment.

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Growth

The process of a cell increasing in size.

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Cell Division

The process of a cell dividing into two.

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High surface area to volume ratio

Cells usually have a high surface area to volume ratio. This is important for efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

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Importance of surface area-to-volume ratio

Cells require a sufficient surface area to facilitate the exchange of materials between the cell and its environment. This is essential for survival.

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Microscopic size of cells

Cells are generally microscopic in size. This helps maintain a high surface area-to-volume ratio.

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Multi-cellular organisms

Large organisms do not have larger cells than smaller organisms. They simply have more cells.

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Nuclear Pores

Tiny holes in the nuclear envelope which regulate the passage of molecules in and out of the nucleus.

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Nuclear Lamina

A network of protein filaments that lines the inner surface of the nuclear envelope, giving the nucleus its shape.

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Nuclear Matrix

A framework of protein fibers within the nucleus that helps organize the genetic material.

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Protein Synthesis

The process of synthesizing a protein from genetic information encoded in mRNA.

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Messenger RNA (mRNA)

A type of RNA that carries genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes.

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Transcription

A molecule that transports genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

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Ribosomes

A complex of ribosomal RNA and proteins that carries out protein synthesis.

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Translation

The process of translating the genetic code in mRNA into a protein sequence.

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Protein Translocation

The process by which a polypeptide chain is guided through a pore in the ER membrane during protein synthesis.

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ER Translocon

A protein complex within the ER membrane that forms a channel for the passage of polypeptides.

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ER Lumen

The space within the ER membrane, where proteins are folded and modified.

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Secretory Proteins

Proteins produced by ribosomes attached to the ER, destined for secretion or insertion into membranes.

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Glycoproteins

Proteins with carbohydrates covalently attached to them.

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Transitional ER

A specialized region of the ER where vesicles bud off to transport proteins.

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Transport Vesicles

Small membrane-enclosed sacs that transport molecules within the cell.

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ER Membrane Growth

The process by which the ER membrane grows by adding membrane proteins and phospholipids.

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Volume of a Sphere

The volume of a sphere is calculated using the formula: 4/3 * π * r³ where π (pi) is a constant approximately equal to 3.14 and r is the radius of the sphere.

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Surface Area of a Sphere

The surface area of a sphere is calculated using the formula: 4 * π * r² where π (pi) is a constant approximately equal to 3.14 and r is the radius of the sphere.

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Radius of a Sphere

The radius of a sphere is half its diameter. It's the distance from the center of the sphere to its edge.

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Diameter of a Sphere

The diameter of a sphere is the distance between two points on the sphere's surface, passing through its center. It's double the radius.

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Volume Difference

The difference in volume between two spheres can be calculated by subtracting the volume of the smaller sphere from the volume of the larger sphere. This tells us how much volume the larger sphere has compared to the smaller one.

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Surface Area Difference

The difference in surface area between two spheres can be calculated by subtracting the surface area of the smaller sphere from the surface area of the larger sphere. This tells us how much more surface area the larger sphere has compared to the smaller one.

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Plasma Membrane Expansion

As a cell grows, its plasma membrane needs to expand to accommodate the increased volume. This expansion is necessary to maintain the integrity of the cell and its internal environment.

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Budding

The process of cell division where a new cell buds off from the parent cell, creating a new individual.

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Microvilli

Tiny finger-like projections on the cell surface that increase the surface area, facilitating absorption or secretion.

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Phospholipid Bilayer

The basic structure of biological membranes, composed of two layers of phospholipid molecules with embedded proteins.

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Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells break down sugars to generate energy.

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Compartmentalization

The division of a cell into compartments allows for specialized functions and efficient organization of metabolic processes.

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Key Differences between Plant and Animal Cells

Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and a large central vacuole, while animal cells do not.

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Cell Biology

The study of cells, their structure, and their functions.

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Study Notes

Plasma Membrane Structure and Function

  • Plasma membranes are a double layer (bilayer) of phospholipids with proteins embedded.
  • Hydrophobic parts of phospholipids and proteins are in the membrane interior.
  • Hydrophilic parts are exposed to the aqueous solutions.
  • Carbohydrate chains are attached to proteins or lipids on the outer surface.
  • The plasma membrane appears as a pair of dark bands separated by a gold band in transmission electron micrographs.
  • High surface area-to-volume ratio is crucial for material exchange.
  • Cell size and shape (narrow and elongated) are solutions for maintaining high surface area-to-volume ratios.
  • Larger organisms have more cells, not larger cells.
  • Cells with high material exchange needs (like intestinal cells) may have projections (microvilli).

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

  • Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles.
  • Prokaryotic cytoplasm is not formless; it has protein-bound regions for specific reactions.
  • Eukaryotic cells are generally much larger than prokaryotic cells.
  • Eukaryotic cytoplasm is the region between the plasma membrane and the nucleus.
  • Organelles are suspended in the cytosol within the eukaryotic cytoplasm.
  • Compartments provide different local environments for metabolism.

Cell Size and Surface Area

  • Cell size is limited by the logistics of carrying out metabolism.
  • High surface area-to-volume ratios facilitate material exchange.
  • The surface area-to-volume ratio of smaller cells is higher and aids in exchange efficiency

Nucleus Structure and Function

  • The nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear envelope.
  • The nuclear envelope is perforated by pores (100 nm diameter).
  • A pore complex regulates protein and RNA passage.
  • The nuclear lamina in animal cells maintains nuclear shape.
  • The nuclear matrix or framework helps organize genetic material.
  • The nucleus contains chromosomes (DNA and proteins) and nucleoli (ribosome synthesis).

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Structure and Function

  • Rough ER has ribosomes attached, synthesizing secretory proteins.
  • The ER membrane threads polypeptides into the lumen.
  • Secretory proteins are often glycoproteins (proteins with sugars).
  • Sugars are added in the ER lumen by ER enzymes.
  • Proteins are kept separate from the cytoplasm.
  • Transport vesicles carry proteins from the ER.
  • Smooth ER is a membrane factory, growing by producing membrane proteins and phospholipids.

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