3.

Regarding the overall process by which information stored within the nucleus is
utilized to make proteins:
Briefly describe the general function of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes:
Structure Function
Plasma Membrane Regulates what passes into and
out of the cell; cell
communication
Nucleus Instructions for protein
synthesis and cell
reproduction; contains genetic
information
Ribosomes Protein Synthesis
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Lipid synthesis; synthesis of
membrane or secreted
proteins
Golgi Apparatus Packages proteins for
exportation from cell
Lysosomes Digest worn out organelles and
cell debris
Mitochondria Power House; site of cellular
respiration
Nucleolus Synthesis of rRNA and
ribosome assembly
Cytoskeleton Structural support; cell
movement
Peroxisome Contains enzymes involved in
the oxidation of fatty acids
1. Regarding the size and basic structure of eukaryote cells, be able to do the following:
Explain why increased size is associated with greater internal complexity in
eukaryotes:
- Larger cells need to synthesize more macromolecules, have
correspondingly higher energy requirements, and produce a greater quantity
of waste. A larger cell needs more components and better organization to
produce its products efficiently.
Give one example of a cell in which very large size is not accompanied by
greater complexity:
-Yolk of a bird egg: yolk is technically single celled; almost all of the cell
volume is stored food to be used by the growing chick embryo.
2. List 10 organelles (or membranes) found within animal cells and indicate the
general function of each:
DNA: The genetic material of all organisms; composed of two complementary
chains of nucleotides wound in a double helix.
tRNA: Two functional sites: 1. Adds a specific amino acid 2. Carries
nucleotide triplet (anticodon) specific for the amino acid.
mRNA: RNA transcribe from structural genes; RNA molecules
complementary to a portion of one strand of DNA, which are translated by
the ribosomes to form protein.
Ribosome: Carries out protein synthesis; contains three rRNA molecules.
Distinguish between transcription and translation:
Translation: The synthesis of a polypeptide using the genetic information
encoded in an mRNA molecule.
Transcription: The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
4. Regarding the chromosomes of eukaryotic cells:
List three ways in which they differ from prokaryotic chromosomes:
-Prokaryotes have one small, circular chromosome located in the nucleoid,
while eukaryotic cells have many linear chromosomes located within the
nucleus.
Describe how DNA is compacted in order to fit within the nucleus:
-The DNA within the chromosomes is organized with proteins into
chromatin. The genetic information is coiled and looped into a very compact
form. First level of coiling: attachment of proteins called histones along the
DNA molecule. This complex is called a nucleosome.
Distinguish between chromatin, chromosome, and DNA:
DNA: The genetic material of all organisms; composed of two complementary
chains of nucleotides wound in a double helix.
Chromosome: A gene-carrying structure found in the nucleus. Each
chromosome consists of one DNA molecule and associate proteins.
Chromatin: The complex of DNA and proteins that make up a eukaryotic
chromosome.
Explain why chromosomes are only visible (by light microscopy) when cells
are dividing.
-If you view the nucleus of a cell that is not dividing, the chromosomes will
not be seen as distinct entities. However, when a cell divides, it must
compact the chromosomes as tightly as possible to assure that complete
chromosomes are distributed to the new cells.
Explain the relationship between the nucleolus and protein synthesis.
-The nucleolus is the site of rRNA synthesis and ribosome assembly.
Ribosomes are the sight of protein synthesis.
5. Endomembrane System
Describe the general purpose of the endomembrane system and explain why
eukaryotic cells need it.
-One major function is to assist in the synthesis of proteins and their
transport throughout the cell. Many of those proteins are needed
components of growing membranes within the cell.
Compare the structure of the rough vs. smooth endoplasmic reticulum:
Smooth ER: Consists of a series of thin channels formed by endomembranes,
and does not bind ribosomes.
Rough ER: Consists of a series of thin channels formed by endomembranes,
whose outer surface is covered by ribosomes.
Compare the functions of the rough vs. smooth endoplasmic reticulum, giving
at least two functions for each.
Rough ER: Helps with protein synthesis; storage of synthesized materials
Smooth ER: Synthesis of steroid hormones; detoxification; Calcium 2+
storage
6. Describe the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus; what is the relationship
between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum.
The Golgi apparatus consists of flattened, interconnected sacs. Functions in
the collection, packaging, and distribution of molecules synthesized at one
location and used at another within the cell or even outside of it. Vesicles
that have budded from the rough ER move to the Golgi and fuse to the closest
sac.
7. Describe the path of the protein through the endomembrane system to tis final
destination and indicate what happens to the protein at each step along the way.
1. Vesicle containing proteins buds from the rough ER, diffuses through the
cell, and fuses to the cis face of the Golgi apparatus.
2. The proteins are modified and packaged into vesicles for transport
3. The vesicle may travel to the plasma membrane, releasing its contents to
the extracellular environment.
8. Lysosomes:
Three Specific Functions:
1. Break down old organelles and recycle their component molecules.
2. Eliminate other cells that the cell has engulfed by phagocytosis.
3. Digest debris
Explain why leakage from a lysosome does not usually damage the cell.
-While sometimes acidic enzymes from lysosomes leak, they rarely cause
damage because the neural pH of the cytosol greatly reduces their activity. It
takes an extreme amount of leakage to damage the cell.