Cell Biology Flashcards

Prokaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotic cells are simple, unicellular organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
• They have a rigid structure called the cell wall that provides support and shape.

Fimbriae

• Fimbriae are surface appendages that allow bacteria to adhere to surfaces.
• They are crucial for the colonization of surfaces and contribute to bacterial virulence.

Capsule Function

• A bacterium's capsule serves a protective role against environmental threats and immune responses.
• Capsules can enhance a bacterium's ability to cause disease.

Nucleoid Region

• The nucleoid region is where the bacterial DNA is located, indicated by letter D in diagrams.
• Unlike eukaryotic cells, bacteria do not possess a true nucleus; their DNA is concentrated in the nucleoid.

DNA Location

• Bacterial DNA is found exclusively in the nucleoid region, as bacteria lack nuclei.

Protein Synthesis

• Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis within the bacterial cell.
• They facilitate the assembly of amino acids into polypeptides (proteins).

Cell Wall Structure

• The cell wall is a rigid feature outside the plasma membrane that supports and protects the bacterium.
• It plays a critical role in maintaining cell shape and preventing lysis in hypotonic environments.

Plasma Membrane Function

• The plasma membrane acts as a selective barrier, regulating the entry of nutrients and the exit of waste.
• It maintains homeostasis within the bacterial cell.

Protein Synthesis Overview

• The first step in polypeptide synthesis is the transcription of DNA into messenger RNA, which occurs in the nucleus.
• Transcription involves transferring genetic information from DNA to mRNA.

Mitochondria Presence

• Mitochondria are essential organelles found in all eukaryotic cells, including both plant and animal cells.
• They are involved in energy production through cellular respiration.

Test your knowledge of cell biology with these flashcards covering various types of cells and their structures. Learn about prokaryotic cells and surface appendages like fimbriae. Perfect for students studying biology and cell science.