FREE BACE Cells Flashcards

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Answer: To regulate what enters and exits the cell by acting as a selectively permeable barrier

The cell membrane is selectively permeable, allowing certain molecules to pass while blocking others, regulating the internal environment of the cell.

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?

Answer: Mitochondria

Mitochondria carry out oxidative phosphorylation, producing the majority of ATP used by eukaryotic cells through the electron transport chain.

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Answer: Eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles; prokaryotes lack these structures

Eukaryotic cells have a true membrane-bound nucleus and specialized organelles; prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) lack a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Answer: To synthesize proteins by translating mRNA sequences into amino acid chains

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis — they read mRNA sequences (translation) and link amino acids together to form polypeptide chains.

What is cell cycle arrest and in what context is it relevant in biotechnology?

Answer: The temporary or permanent pausing of the cell cycle at specific checkpoints in response to internal or external signals

Cell cycle arrest is the pausing of cell cycle progression at checkpoints in response to DNA damage, nutrient deprivation, or signaling, preventing damaged cells from dividing.

Which type of cell junction in epithelial tissues prevents molecules from passing between adjacent cells?

Answer: Tight junctions (zonula occludens)

Tight junctions seal adjacent epithelial cells together, preventing paracellular transport of molecules between cells and maintaining distinct compartments.