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Cell Structure and Function: Eukary... Concept 6.1: Biologists use microsco... Cell Organelles and
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Terms in this set (813)
Four Tenets:
1. All living things are composed of cells
Cell Theory 2. The cell is the basic functional unit of life
3. Cells arise only from preexisting cells
4. Cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA
Eukaryotic Cells Contain a true nucleus enclosed in a membrane.
Prokaryotic Cells Do not contain a nucleus.
Suspended in semifluid cytosol. In eukaryotic cells they are
membrane bound, allowing for compartmentalization of
Organelles
functions. The membranes are made of a phospholipid bilayer,
surfaces are hydrophilic, they interact with the environment.
Cytosol Allows for diffusion of molecules throughout the cell.
Genetic material is encoded in DNA, organized in chromosomes.
This DNA provides all the genetic material needed for replication
of the cell. It is surrounded by the nuclear membrane or
Nucleus
envelope, which forms a double membrane. Nuclear pores allow
for selective exchange of material between cytoplasm and the
nucleus.
DNA contains coding regions called genes. Linear DNA is wound
Genetic Material of the Nucleus around organizing proteins known as histones, and further
wound into chromosomes.
Contains nuclear pores that allow for selective 2-way exchange
Nuclear Membrane
of material between the cytoplasm and the nucleolus
-Subsection of the nucleus
Nucleolus -Where ribosomal RNA is synthesized
-The darker spot that is 25% of the nucleus
MCAT Biology exam 1 MCAT Biology exam.pdf
,MCAT Biology exam Page 2 2026-04-09
Power plant of the cell. Two layers, inner and outer membrane.
The outer membrane is a barrier between the cytosol and the
inner environment of the mitochondria. The inner membrane,
made up of infoldings called cristae, contains the molecules and
enzymes necessary for the electron transport chain. The
intermembrane space separates them, creating a matrix between
them.
Mitochondria
The pumping of protons from the matrix to the intermembrane
space creates a proton-motive force that generates ATP via
protons flowing through and turning ATP synthase (oxidative
phosphorylation). The mitochondria is semiautonomous, meaning
they replicate independently of the the nucleus via binary fission.
They can kill the cell via release of enzymes that aid in apoptosis.
Membrane-bound structures containing hydrolytic enzymes that
are capable of breaking down many different substrates,
including those ingested by endocytosis and cellular waste
products.
Lysosomes
The enzymes are sequestered to protect the cell, releasing these
enzymes causes autolysis, resulting in apoptosis...in this case, the
released enzymes directly lead to cell degradation.
Interconnected membranes that are actually contiguous with the
nuclear envelope. It is folding into complex structures with a
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
central lumen. The Rough ER is studded with ribosomes that
(RER)
permit translation of proteins destined for secretion into the
lumen.
Stacked membrane-bound sacs that are transferred from the ER
via vesicles. The Golgi modifies the products via addition of
various groups. It modifies cellular products thought the
Golgi Apparatus
introduction of signal sequences, which help direct the delivery
of product to a specific cellular location. Can also send to
lysosomes for degredation
Used in secretion, when the secretory vesicle merges with the
Exocytosis
cell membrane and its contents.
Contain hydrogen peroxide. It breaks down long chain fatty
Peroxisomes acids via beta oxidation. They help in the synthesis of
phospholipids.
Provides structure to the cell and helps it to maintain its shape. It
Cytoskeleton
also provides a conduit for transport of material around the cell.
Solid polymerized rods of actin organized into bundles and
Microfilaments networks that are resistant to compression and fracture. They
assist in cytokinesis and cleavage furrow. Present in muscle
Subunit of microfilaments, used with ATP to generate force for
Actin
movement by interacting with myosin for muscle contraction.
Hollow polymers of tubulin proteins that provide a primary
Microtubules pathway along which motor proteins like kinesin and dynein carry
vesicles. Makes cilia and flagella. Also makes centrioles
Projections of the cell that are primarily involved in movement of
Cilia materials along the surface of a cell. They are made of
microtubules and an example is respiratory cilia.
Structures involved in the movement of the cell itself, such as the
Flagella
movement of sperm cells through the reproductive tract.
MCAT Biology exam 2 MCAT Biology exam.pdf
,MCAT Biology exam Page 3 2026-04-09
Used in flagella and cilia. Nine pairs of microtubules, with two in
9 + 2 Structure
the center.
Found in a region of the cell called the centrosome. They are the
organization centers for microtubules and are structured as nine
Centrioles triplets of microtubules with a hollow center. They migrate to
opposite poles of the dividing cell and organize the mitotic
spindle. They attach via kinetochores to the chromosomes.
Include keratin (hair, nails, skin) and desmin. They are involved in
cell-cell adhesion, or maintenance of the overall integrity of the
Intermediate Filaments cytoskeleton. They can withstand a large amount of tension,
adding rigidity to the cell structure. They help anchor other
organelles!
Cover the body and lines its cavities. Involved in protection,
Epithelial Tissue and Basement absorption, secretion, and sensation. They are tightly joined to
Membrane each other and to an underlying layer of connective tissue
known as the basement membrane.
Simple Epithelia One layer of cells
Stratified Epithelia Multiple layers of cells
Appear to have multiple layers due to difference in cell height,
Pseudostratified Epithelia
but are really one layer.
Cuboidal: cube-shaped
Cuboidal, Columnar, and
Columnar: Long and thin
Squamous Cells
Squamous: flat, scale-like
Supports the body and provides framework for the epithelial
cells to carry out their functions. Main contributors to the stroma,
Connective Tissue or support structure. Examples are bone, cartilage, tendons,
ligaments, adipose tissue, and blood. They help to form the
extracellular matrix.
Where prokaryotes keep their genetic material - organized into a
Nucleoid Region
single circular DNA molecule, which is stored here
Single-celled organisms that contain genes and several
metabolic pathways that are more similar to eukaryotes. There
Archaea are extremophiles, found mostly in harsh environments. They
mostly use alternative sources of energy, such as photosynthetic,
or chemosynthetic.
Contain a cell membrane and cytoplasm, and some have flagella
or fimbriae. They work with humans as mutualistic symbiotes, for
Bacteria example with the human gut producing Vitamin K and biotin.
Pathogens or parasites will provide no advantage to the host,
and cause disease.
Cocci Spherical bacteria.
Bacilli Rod-shaped bacteria.
Spirilli Spiral-shaped bacteria.
Obligate Aerobes Bacteria that require oxygen for metabolism.
Bacteria that use either fermentation or some other form of
Anaerobes
cellular metabolism that does not require oxygen.
Obligate Anaerobes Cannot survive in an oxygen-containing environment.
Toggle between metabolic processes. Can do aerobic and
Facultative Anaerobes
anaerobic respiration.
Unable to use oxygen for metabolism but are not harmed by its
Aerotolerant Anaerobes
presence
MCAT Biology exam 3 MCAT Biology exam.pdf
, MCAT Biology exam Page 4 2026-04-09
Major difference is that there is a lack of a nucleus and
Prokaryotic Cell Structure membrane-bound organelles. They do have ribosomes. They are
single celled.
Outer barrier of the cell. Provides structure and controls the
movement of solutes into and out of the bacterium. This
Cell Wall
maintains concentration gradients relative to the environment.
Two types: gram positive and gram negative.
purple
Gram Positive Bacteria
thick later of peptidoglycan (aa +
What color is it?
sugar)
Is there a thick or think cell wall
It aids a pathogen by providing
(peptidoglycan)?
protection from a host organism's
What does the cell membrane
immune system.
contain?
It also contains lipoteichoic acid
Next layer of the prokaryotic cell. It is composed of
Cell Membrane
phospholipids.
Envelope The cell wall and cell membrane together.
Used for propulsion. Triggered via
chemotaxis which is the movement to
or from a chemical stimuli. Made of a
Bacterial Flagella filament, hollow structure of flagellin
anchored by a basal body, and a hook,
which connects the filament and the
basal body to increase torque.
Small circular structures of DNA acquired from external sources.
They carry DNA that is not necessary for survival of the
Plasmids
prokaryote, but may confer an advantage such as antibiotic
resistance.
Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Prokaryotes have a 30 S and 50 S ribosome
ribosome Euk have 40 and 60s ribosome
Generation of ATP (in bacteria) Done via the cell membrane where ETC lies.
Gram Negative Bacteria Appears pink
What color is it? Thin cell wall
Is there a thick or think cell wall phospholipids and
(peptidoglycan)? lipopolysaccharides (elicit a stronger
What does the cell membrane immune response)
contain?
Simple form of asexual reproduction in
prokaryotes. Chromosome attaches to
Binary Fission
the cell wall and replicates while the
cell continues to grow in size.
Plasmids will carry genes that impart some benefit on the
Genetic Recombination bacteria or carry virulence factors that increase how pathogenic
it is. .
Integration of foreign genetic material
into the host genome.
Transformation
MCAT Biology exam 4 MCAT Biology exam.pdf
MMM
MCAT Biology
27 studiers today 4.6 (33 reviews)
Saved
Students also studied
Cell Structure and Function: Eukary... Concept 6.1: Biologists use microsco... Cell Organelles and
54 terms 42 terms 17 terms
alexandrahenderly Preview paigesalvatore999 Preview fddntj2gb8
Terms in this set (813)
Four Tenets:
1. All living things are composed of cells
Cell Theory 2. The cell is the basic functional unit of life
3. Cells arise only from preexisting cells
4. Cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA
Eukaryotic Cells Contain a true nucleus enclosed in a membrane.
Prokaryotic Cells Do not contain a nucleus.
Suspended in semifluid cytosol. In eukaryotic cells they are
membrane bound, allowing for compartmentalization of
Organelles
functions. The membranes are made of a phospholipid bilayer,
surfaces are hydrophilic, they interact with the environment.
Cytosol Allows for diffusion of molecules throughout the cell.
Genetic material is encoded in DNA, organized in chromosomes.
This DNA provides all the genetic material needed for replication
of the cell. It is surrounded by the nuclear membrane or
Nucleus
envelope, which forms a double membrane. Nuclear pores allow
for selective exchange of material between cytoplasm and the
nucleus.
DNA contains coding regions called genes. Linear DNA is wound
Genetic Material of the Nucleus around organizing proteins known as histones, and further
wound into chromosomes.
Contains nuclear pores that allow for selective 2-way exchange
Nuclear Membrane
of material between the cytoplasm and the nucleolus
-Subsection of the nucleus
Nucleolus -Where ribosomal RNA is synthesized
-The darker spot that is 25% of the nucleus
MCAT Biology exam 1 MCAT Biology exam.pdf
,MCAT Biology exam Page 2 2026-04-09
Power plant of the cell. Two layers, inner and outer membrane.
The outer membrane is a barrier between the cytosol and the
inner environment of the mitochondria. The inner membrane,
made up of infoldings called cristae, contains the molecules and
enzymes necessary for the electron transport chain. The
intermembrane space separates them, creating a matrix between
them.
Mitochondria
The pumping of protons from the matrix to the intermembrane
space creates a proton-motive force that generates ATP via
protons flowing through and turning ATP synthase (oxidative
phosphorylation). The mitochondria is semiautonomous, meaning
they replicate independently of the the nucleus via binary fission.
They can kill the cell via release of enzymes that aid in apoptosis.
Membrane-bound structures containing hydrolytic enzymes that
are capable of breaking down many different substrates,
including those ingested by endocytosis and cellular waste
products.
Lysosomes
The enzymes are sequestered to protect the cell, releasing these
enzymes causes autolysis, resulting in apoptosis...in this case, the
released enzymes directly lead to cell degradation.
Interconnected membranes that are actually contiguous with the
nuclear envelope. It is folding into complex structures with a
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
central lumen. The Rough ER is studded with ribosomes that
(RER)
permit translation of proteins destined for secretion into the
lumen.
Stacked membrane-bound sacs that are transferred from the ER
via vesicles. The Golgi modifies the products via addition of
various groups. It modifies cellular products thought the
Golgi Apparatus
introduction of signal sequences, which help direct the delivery
of product to a specific cellular location. Can also send to
lysosomes for degredation
Used in secretion, when the secretory vesicle merges with the
Exocytosis
cell membrane and its contents.
Contain hydrogen peroxide. It breaks down long chain fatty
Peroxisomes acids via beta oxidation. They help in the synthesis of
phospholipids.
Provides structure to the cell and helps it to maintain its shape. It
Cytoskeleton
also provides a conduit for transport of material around the cell.
Solid polymerized rods of actin organized into bundles and
Microfilaments networks that are resistant to compression and fracture. They
assist in cytokinesis and cleavage furrow. Present in muscle
Subunit of microfilaments, used with ATP to generate force for
Actin
movement by interacting with myosin for muscle contraction.
Hollow polymers of tubulin proteins that provide a primary
Microtubules pathway along which motor proteins like kinesin and dynein carry
vesicles. Makes cilia and flagella. Also makes centrioles
Projections of the cell that are primarily involved in movement of
Cilia materials along the surface of a cell. They are made of
microtubules and an example is respiratory cilia.
Structures involved in the movement of the cell itself, such as the
Flagella
movement of sperm cells through the reproductive tract.
MCAT Biology exam 2 MCAT Biology exam.pdf
,MCAT Biology exam Page 3 2026-04-09
Used in flagella and cilia. Nine pairs of microtubules, with two in
9 + 2 Structure
the center.
Found in a region of the cell called the centrosome. They are the
organization centers for microtubules and are structured as nine
Centrioles triplets of microtubules with a hollow center. They migrate to
opposite poles of the dividing cell and organize the mitotic
spindle. They attach via kinetochores to the chromosomes.
Include keratin (hair, nails, skin) and desmin. They are involved in
cell-cell adhesion, or maintenance of the overall integrity of the
Intermediate Filaments cytoskeleton. They can withstand a large amount of tension,
adding rigidity to the cell structure. They help anchor other
organelles!
Cover the body and lines its cavities. Involved in protection,
Epithelial Tissue and Basement absorption, secretion, and sensation. They are tightly joined to
Membrane each other and to an underlying layer of connective tissue
known as the basement membrane.
Simple Epithelia One layer of cells
Stratified Epithelia Multiple layers of cells
Appear to have multiple layers due to difference in cell height,
Pseudostratified Epithelia
but are really one layer.
Cuboidal: cube-shaped
Cuboidal, Columnar, and
Columnar: Long and thin
Squamous Cells
Squamous: flat, scale-like
Supports the body and provides framework for the epithelial
cells to carry out their functions. Main contributors to the stroma,
Connective Tissue or support structure. Examples are bone, cartilage, tendons,
ligaments, adipose tissue, and blood. They help to form the
extracellular matrix.
Where prokaryotes keep their genetic material - organized into a
Nucleoid Region
single circular DNA molecule, which is stored here
Single-celled organisms that contain genes and several
metabolic pathways that are more similar to eukaryotes. There
Archaea are extremophiles, found mostly in harsh environments. They
mostly use alternative sources of energy, such as photosynthetic,
or chemosynthetic.
Contain a cell membrane and cytoplasm, and some have flagella
or fimbriae. They work with humans as mutualistic symbiotes, for
Bacteria example with the human gut producing Vitamin K and biotin.
Pathogens or parasites will provide no advantage to the host,
and cause disease.
Cocci Spherical bacteria.
Bacilli Rod-shaped bacteria.
Spirilli Spiral-shaped bacteria.
Obligate Aerobes Bacteria that require oxygen for metabolism.
Bacteria that use either fermentation or some other form of
Anaerobes
cellular metabolism that does not require oxygen.
Obligate Anaerobes Cannot survive in an oxygen-containing environment.
Toggle between metabolic processes. Can do aerobic and
Facultative Anaerobes
anaerobic respiration.
Unable to use oxygen for metabolism but are not harmed by its
Aerotolerant Anaerobes
presence
MCAT Biology exam 3 MCAT Biology exam.pdf
, MCAT Biology exam Page 4 2026-04-09
Major difference is that there is a lack of a nucleus and
Prokaryotic Cell Structure membrane-bound organelles. They do have ribosomes. They are
single celled.
Outer barrier of the cell. Provides structure and controls the
movement of solutes into and out of the bacterium. This
Cell Wall
maintains concentration gradients relative to the environment.
Two types: gram positive and gram negative.
purple
Gram Positive Bacteria
thick later of peptidoglycan (aa +
What color is it?
sugar)
Is there a thick or think cell wall
It aids a pathogen by providing
(peptidoglycan)?
protection from a host organism's
What does the cell membrane
immune system.
contain?
It also contains lipoteichoic acid
Next layer of the prokaryotic cell. It is composed of
Cell Membrane
phospholipids.
Envelope The cell wall and cell membrane together.
Used for propulsion. Triggered via
chemotaxis which is the movement to
or from a chemical stimuli. Made of a
Bacterial Flagella filament, hollow structure of flagellin
anchored by a basal body, and a hook,
which connects the filament and the
basal body to increase torque.
Small circular structures of DNA acquired from external sources.
They carry DNA that is not necessary for survival of the
Plasmids
prokaryote, but may confer an advantage such as antibiotic
resistance.
Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Prokaryotes have a 30 S and 50 S ribosome
ribosome Euk have 40 and 60s ribosome
Generation of ATP (in bacteria) Done via the cell membrane where ETC lies.
Gram Negative Bacteria Appears pink
What color is it? Thin cell wall
Is there a thick or think cell wall phospholipids and
(peptidoglycan)? lipopolysaccharides (elicit a stronger
What does the cell membrane immune response)
contain?
Simple form of asexual reproduction in
prokaryotes. Chromosome attaches to
Binary Fission
the cell wall and replicates while the
cell continues to grow in size.
Plasmids will carry genes that impart some benefit on the
Genetic Recombination bacteria or carry virulence factors that increase how pathogenic
it is. .
Integration of foreign genetic material
into the host genome.
Transformation
MCAT Biology exam 4 MCAT Biology exam.pdf
