The plasma membrane is called a selectively permeable membrane because it selectively allows certain substances to pass through while restricting others. Here's why: 1. Controlled Passage: It regulates the entry and exit of substances. 2. Selective Entry: Small, uncharged molecules can pass freely,Read more
The plasma membrane is called a selectively permeable membrane because it selectively allows certain substances to pass through while restricting others. Here’s why:
1. Controlled Passage: It regulates the entry and exit of substances.
2. Selective Entry: Small, uncharged molecules can pass freely, while larger molecules or ions require specialized channels or transporters.
3. Protein Channels: Specific proteins in the membrane act as gateways, allowing only certain substances to pass based on size, charge, or recognition.
4. Regulation of Environment: It maintains the right balance of substances inside the cell and prevents the entry of harmful substances.
5. Homeostasis Maintenance: This selective permeability helps cells maintain a stable internal environment for optimal functioning.
Overall, the plasma membrane’s selective permeability is vital for controlling what enters and exits the cell, ensuring a suitable environment for cellular processes while safeguarding against harmful substances.
The two organelles that contain their own genetic material are: 1. Mitochondria: - Known as the cell's "powerhouses," mitochondria produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. - They have their own DNA, separate from the cell's nucleus, and replicate independently. - Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)Read more
The two organelles that contain their own genetic material are:
1. Mitochondria:
– Known as the cell’s “powerhouses,” mitochondria produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
– They have their own DNA, separate from the cell’s nucleus, and replicate independently.
– Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) holds genes essential for mitochondrial function.
2. Chloroplasts:
– Found in plant cells and some algae, chloroplasts conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into glucose.
– Like mitochondria, chloroplasts have their own DNA and replicate autonomously.
– Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) contains genes crucial for photosynthesis.
Both mitochondria and chloroplasts possess their own genetic material, supporting the theory of endosymbiosis, where these organelles originated from independent prokaryotic organisms that established a symbiotic relationship within ancestral eukaryotic cells.
If the organization of a cell is disrupted due to physical or chemical influences, several outcomes can occur: 1. Loss of Function: - Organelles' damage can impair their functions, impacting essential cellular processes such as energy production or protein synthesis. 2. Cell Death: - Severe damage mRead more
If the organization of a cell is disrupted due to physical or chemical influences, several outcomes can occur:
1. Loss of Function:
– Organelles’ damage can impair their functions, impacting essential cellular processes such as energy production or protein synthesis.
2. Cell Death:
– Severe damage might lead to programmed cell death (apoptosis) as a defense mechanism or uncontrolled cell death (necrosis), causing inflammation and tissue damage.
3. Cellular Dysfunction:
– Disorganization can hinder the cell’s ability to carry out its regular functions, affecting metabolism, signaling pathways, and other critical processes.
4. Homeostasis Disruption:
– Disturbances to the cell’s internal environment can disrupt balance, altering pH levels, ion concentrations, or other vital conditions.
5. Genetic Damage:
– Some influences can cause DNA mutations, impacting gene expression or protein functionality.
6. Cellular Stress Response:
– Cells might activate stress responses to repair damage but could fail if the damage is extensive.
7. Impact on Surrounding Cells/Tissues:
– Damage to one cell can affect nearby cells or tissues, potentially causing a chain reaction of dysfunction or damage.
In summary, disruptions to a cell’s organization due to physical or chemical influences can lead to functional impairment, cell death, genetic damage, or disturbances in the cellular environment. The severity depends on the extent and nature of the damage inflicted on the cell.
Lysosomes - Known as "Suicide Bags": - Function: Lysosomes are cellular structures containing enzymes for breaking down waste materials, damaged organelles, and other unwanted substances within the cell. - Role in Cell Death: During programmed cell death (apoptosis), lysosomes release their enzymes,Read more
Lysosomes – Known as “Suicide Bags”:
– Function: Lysosomes are cellular structures containing enzymes for breaking down waste materials, damaged organelles, and other unwanted substances within the cell.
– Role in Cell Death: During programmed cell death (apoptosis), lysosomes release their enzymes, causing the breakdown of cellular components.
– Nickname Significance: “Suicide bags” refers to this ability of lysosomes to participate in the orderly disassembly of cells during apoptosis, essentially ‘self-destructing’ the cell in a controlled manner.
– Impact: This nickname underscores the crucial role of lysosomes in cellular cleanup and their involvement in regulating cell death, either as part of the natural cell life cycle or under certain conditions.
In essence, the term highlights how lysosomes, by releasing their enzymes, contribute to the controlled breakdown of cellular structures during programmed cell death, akin to a cell’s ‘self-destruct’ mechanism.
Differences Between Plant Cells and Animal Cells: 1. Cell Wall: - Plant Cells: Have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, providing structure and support. - Animal Cells: Lack a cell wall; their shape is maintained by a flexible cell membrane. 2. Chloroplasts: - Plant Cells: Contain chloroplasts, allRead more
Differences Between Plant Cells and Animal Cells:
1. Cell Wall:
– Plant Cells: Have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, providing structure and support.
– Animal Cells: Lack a cell wall; their shape is maintained by a flexible cell membrane.
2. Chloroplasts:
– Plant Cells: Contain chloroplasts, allowing them to perform photosynthesis and produce their own food.
– Animal Cells: Do not have chloroplasts; they cannot produce food through photosynthesis.
3. Vacuoles:
– Plant Cells: Have a large central vacuole for storage, maintaining turgor pressure and storing nutrients.
– Animal Cells: Contain smaller or multiple vacuoles primarily for storage purposes.
4. Shape:
– Plant Cells: Usually have a fixed rectangular or square shape due to the cell wall.
– Animal Cells: Display various shapes, often round or irregular.
5. Lysosomes:
– Plant Cells: Fewer or absent lysosomes.
– Animal Cells: Contain numerous lysosomes for waste breakdown and recycling.
6. Mitochondria:
– Plant Cells: Contain mitochondria for energy production.
– Animal Cells: Also have mitochondria for energy generation.
7. Centrioles:
– Plant Cells: Typically lack centrioles except in lower plant forms during cell division.
– Animal Cells: Have centrioles aiding in cell division by forming spindle fibers.
8. Lipid Droplets:
– Plant Cells: Fewer lipid droplets.
– Animal Cells: May have more lipid droplets for energy storage.
9. Flagella and Cilia:
– Plant Cells: Usually lack flagella or cilia.
– Animal Cells: Some have flagella (e.g., sperm cells) or cilia (e.g., in the respiratory tract) for movement or sensory functions.
Why is the plasma membrane called a selectively permeable membrane?
The plasma membrane is called a selectively permeable membrane because it selectively allows certain substances to pass through while restricting others. Here's why: 1. Controlled Passage: It regulates the entry and exit of substances. 2. Selective Entry: Small, uncharged molecules can pass freely,Read more
The plasma membrane is called a selectively permeable membrane because it selectively allows certain substances to pass through while restricting others. Here’s why:
1. Controlled Passage: It regulates the entry and exit of substances.
2. Selective Entry: Small, uncharged molecules can pass freely, while larger molecules or ions require specialized channels or transporters.
3. Protein Channels: Specific proteins in the membrane act as gateways, allowing only certain substances to pass based on size, charge, or recognition.
4. Regulation of Environment: It maintains the right balance of substances inside the cell and prevents the entry of harmful substances.
5. Homeostasis Maintenance: This selective permeability helps cells maintain a stable internal environment for optimal functioning.
Overall, the plasma membrane’s selective permeability is vital for controlling what enters and exits the cell, ensuring a suitable environment for cellular processes while safeguarding against harmful substances.
See lessCan you name the two organelles we have studied that contain their own genetic material?
The two organelles that contain their own genetic material are: 1. Mitochondria: - Known as the cell's "powerhouses," mitochondria produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. - They have their own DNA, separate from the cell's nucleus, and replicate independently. - Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)Read more
The two organelles that contain their own genetic material are:
1. Mitochondria:
– Known as the cell’s “powerhouses,” mitochondria produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
– They have their own DNA, separate from the cell’s nucleus, and replicate independently.
– Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) holds genes essential for mitochondrial function.
2. Chloroplasts:
– Found in plant cells and some algae, chloroplasts conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into glucose.
– Like mitochondria, chloroplasts have their own DNA and replicate autonomously.
– Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) contains genes crucial for photosynthesis.
Both mitochondria and chloroplasts possess their own genetic material, supporting the theory of endosymbiosis, where these organelles originated from independent prokaryotic organisms that established a symbiotic relationship within ancestral eukaryotic cells.
See lessIf the organisation of a cell is destroyed due to some physical or chemical influence, what will happen?
If the organization of a cell is disrupted due to physical or chemical influences, several outcomes can occur: 1. Loss of Function: - Organelles' damage can impair their functions, impacting essential cellular processes such as energy production or protein synthesis. 2. Cell Death: - Severe damage mRead more
If the organization of a cell is disrupted due to physical or chemical influences, several outcomes can occur:
1. Loss of Function:
– Organelles’ damage can impair their functions, impacting essential cellular processes such as energy production or protein synthesis.
2. Cell Death:
– Severe damage might lead to programmed cell death (apoptosis) as a defense mechanism or uncontrolled cell death (necrosis), causing inflammation and tissue damage.
3. Cellular Dysfunction:
– Disorganization can hinder the cell’s ability to carry out its regular functions, affecting metabolism, signaling pathways, and other critical processes.
4. Homeostasis Disruption:
– Disturbances to the cell’s internal environment can disrupt balance, altering pH levels, ion concentrations, or other vital conditions.
5. Genetic Damage:
– Some influences can cause DNA mutations, impacting gene expression or protein functionality.
6. Cellular Stress Response:
– Cells might activate stress responses to repair damage but could fail if the damage is extensive.
7. Impact on Surrounding Cells/Tissues:
– Damage to one cell can affect nearby cells or tissues, potentially causing a chain reaction of dysfunction or damage.
In summary, disruptions to a cell’s organization due to physical or chemical influences can lead to functional impairment, cell death, genetic damage, or disturbances in the cellular environment. The severity depends on the extent and nature of the damage inflicted on the cell.
See lessWhy are lysosomes known as suicide bags?
Lysosomes - Known as "Suicide Bags": - Function: Lysosomes are cellular structures containing enzymes for breaking down waste materials, damaged organelles, and other unwanted substances within the cell. - Role in Cell Death: During programmed cell death (apoptosis), lysosomes release their enzymes,Read more
Lysosomes – Known as “Suicide Bags”:
– Function: Lysosomes are cellular structures containing enzymes for breaking down waste materials, damaged organelles, and other unwanted substances within the cell.
– Role in Cell Death: During programmed cell death (apoptosis), lysosomes release their enzymes, causing the breakdown of cellular components.
– Nickname Significance: “Suicide bags” refers to this ability of lysosomes to participate in the orderly disassembly of cells during apoptosis, essentially ‘self-destructing’ the cell in a controlled manner.
– Impact: This nickname underscores the crucial role of lysosomes in cellular cleanup and their involvement in regulating cell death, either as part of the natural cell life cycle or under certain conditions.
In essence, the term highlights how lysosomes, by releasing their enzymes, contribute to the controlled breakdown of cellular structures during programmed cell death, akin to a cell’s ‘self-destruct’ mechanism.
See lessMake a comparison and write down ways in which plant cells are different from animal cells.
Differences Between Plant Cells and Animal Cells: 1. Cell Wall: - Plant Cells: Have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, providing structure and support. - Animal Cells: Lack a cell wall; their shape is maintained by a flexible cell membrane. 2. Chloroplasts: - Plant Cells: Contain chloroplasts, allRead more
Differences Between Plant Cells and Animal Cells:
1. Cell Wall:
– Plant Cells: Have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, providing structure and support.
– Animal Cells: Lack a cell wall; their shape is maintained by a flexible cell membrane.
2. Chloroplasts:
– Plant Cells: Contain chloroplasts, allowing them to perform photosynthesis and produce their own food.
– Animal Cells: Do not have chloroplasts; they cannot produce food through photosynthesis.
3. Vacuoles:
– Plant Cells: Have a large central vacuole for storage, maintaining turgor pressure and storing nutrients.
– Animal Cells: Contain smaller or multiple vacuoles primarily for storage purposes.
4. Shape:
– Plant Cells: Usually have a fixed rectangular or square shape due to the cell wall.
– Animal Cells: Display various shapes, often round or irregular.
5. Lysosomes:
– Plant Cells: Fewer or absent lysosomes.
– Animal Cells: Contain numerous lysosomes for waste breakdown and recycling.
6. Mitochondria:
– Plant Cells: Contain mitochondria for energy production.
– Animal Cells: Also have mitochondria for energy generation.
7. Centrioles:
– Plant Cells: Typically lack centrioles except in lower plant forms during cell division.
– Animal Cells: Have centrioles aiding in cell division by forming spindle fibers.
8. Lipid Droplets:
– Plant Cells: Fewer lipid droplets.
– Animal Cells: May have more lipid droplets for energy storage.
9. Flagella and Cilia:
See less– Plant Cells: Usually lack flagella or cilia.
– Animal Cells: Some have flagella (e.g., sperm cells) or cilia (e.g., in the respiratory tract) for movement or sensory functions.