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Cell StructureCambridge IGCSE Biology: Flashcards

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What is the function of the cell membrane?

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What is the function of the cell membrane?
Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell; selectively permeable barrier between the cell and its environment.
Name three structures found in plant cells but not in animal cells.
Cell wall, chloroplasts, and large permanent vacuole.
Define the term 'nucleus'.
A membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls the cell's activities.
What is the function of mitochondria?
Site of aerobic respiration; releases energy from glucose that is used by the cell.
Describe the structure of a bacterial cell.
Has a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA (nucleoid), and plasmids. No membrane-bound nucleus or organelles.
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Site of photosynthesis; converts light energy into chemical energy (glucose) using carbon dioxide and water.
Define the term 'ribosome' and state its function.
A small organelle found in the cytoplasm that synthesises (makes) proteins by linking amino acids together.
What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?
Provides structural support and rigidity to the cell; made of cellulose; prevents the cell from bursting when water enters.
Define a 'plasmid'.
A small, circular loop of DNA found in bacterial cells, separate from the main chromosomal DNA.
What is the function of a large permanent vacuole in plant cells?
Stores cell sap (water and dissolved substances); maintains turgor pressure to keep the cell rigid and the plant upright.
Define the following terms: cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.
Cell: the smallest unit of life; Tissue: a group of similar cells working together; Organ: a structure made of different tissues working together; Organ system: a group of organs working together; Organism: a complete living thing.
Describe the structure and function of a ciliated cell.
Has cilia (hair-like structures) on its surface that beat to move mucus along airways in the respiratory system.
Describe the structure and function of a palisade mesophyll cell.
Tall, columnar cell packed with chloroplasts; found in the upper layer of leaves; specialised for photosynthesis.
Describe the structure and function of a root hair cell.
Has a long extension (root hair) that increases surface area; specialised to absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.
Describe the structure and function of a red blood cell.
Biconcave disc-shaped; contains haemoglobin; has no nucleus; specialised to transport oxygen around the body.
Describe the structure and function of a neurone.
Long, thin cell with a cell body, axon, and dendrites; specialised to conduct electrical impulses rapidly throughout the nervous system.