Cell biologyLesson 3 of 6 in the course Cell Structure and Function

Eukaryotic Cell Structures, Organelles, and Cell Connections

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Eukaryotic cells contain specialized structures that let different processes happen at the same time. This lesson introduces the cell’s boundary and internal environment, then explains how the cytoskeleton supports cell structure and movement.

The plasma membrane separates a cell’s internal contents from its surroundings. Like the membrane of a prokaryotic cell, it is made of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. Each phospholipid has two fatty acid chains, a glycerol backbone, and a phosphate group.

All flashcards

What is a phospholipid?
A lipid molecule made of two fatty acid chains, a glycerol backbone, and a phosphate group. Phospholipids form the basic bilayer of the plasma membrane.
What are microvilli, and what do they do?
Microvilli are small fingerlike folds of the plasma membrane. They increase surface area and therefore support absorption, especially in the small intestine.
What does the cytoplasm include?
It includes the cytosol, organelles, cytoskeleton, and dissolved chemicals in the region between the plasma membrane and nuclear envelope.
What are the three main cytoskeletal fiber types?
Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. They contribute to movement, structural support, organelle positioning, and intracellular transport.
How do cilia and flagella differ?
Flagella are typically long and few in number and move whole cells. Cilia are shorter and numerous and can move cells or move substances along a cell’s surface.

Quiz questions

  1. What is a central role of the Golgi apparatus?Answer: It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for delivery.
  2. What is the primary role of mitochondria in cellular respiration?Answer: They produce ATP, the cell’s main energy-carrying molecule.
  3. What happens to hydrogen peroxide produced by peroxisomal oxidation reactions?Answer: Peroxisomal enzymes break it down into water and oxygen.
  4. Which substance is the primary structural component of plant cell walls?Answer: Cellulose, a polysaccharide made of glucose units.
  5. Which animal-cell junction forms a seal that limits leakage between neighboring cells?Answer: A tight junction.

Based on Concepts of Biology by Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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