1 EUKARYOTIC CELL ORGANIZATION I. Internal Stuctures A. More complex than prokaryotic cells Compartmentalized - organelles: Areas with specific functions isolated in membrane bound compartments B. Nucleus: Largest organelle Most conspicuous Contains the cells genetic material: DNA Eukaryotic DNA: Organized into chromosomes Complexes with histone (basic protein) Linear in arrangement Chromosomes: Always more then one (2 to 100+) Each chromosome contains some but not all the cells genetic information Nucleoli: One or more per nucleus Function: Assembly of ribosomes Nuclear membrane: Surrounds: Chromosomes Nucleoli Contains pores: C. D. E. B362 2 9nm in diameter 3000 - 4000 per nucleus Allow communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm F. Endoplasmic reticulum: Continuous with the outer bilayer of the nuclear membrane Communications network: Coordinates metabolic activities Site of lipid synthesis Supplies membrane material to other organelles Responsible for: Synthesis and distribution of protein that is exported from the cell Two types of ER: Smooth ER: Not associated with ribosomes Contributes : New cell membrane New Golgi membrane Rough ER: Associated with ribosomes: Involved in synthesis and distribution of: Exported proteins Membrane proteins Hormones Enzymes G. Golgi apparatus: Stacks of smooth membranes: Packages proteins for export: Makes lysosomes: Packages of digestive enzymes H. Mitochondria: Size: 1 m in diameter 1 - 3 m in length Contain the enzymes of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation Enclosed in double sterol-free membrane: Outer smooth phospholipid membrane Infolded inner membrane B362 3 Cristae - Cristae contain enzymes which function in ATP production Matrix Matrix contains: DNA: Circular Naked Ribosomes (prokaryotic-like) Large amounts of protein Are self-replicating Have unique genetic code I. II. B362 Chloroplasts: Found in all eukaryotic organisms that carry out photosynthesis: Contain chlorophyll Surrounded by: Three phospholipid membranes: Outer membrane Inner membrane Thylakoid membrane Thylakoid membrane contains chlorophyll arranged in: Grana: Stacks of thylakoid membrane Light reactions of photosynthesis occur in the grana Stroma: Dark reactions of photosynthesis occur in the stroma: Stroma contains: Naked circular DNA Prokaryotic-like ribosomes Similarities between mitochondria, plastids and bacteria: A. Suggest that these organelles originated as prokaryotic cells: B. Trapped in an eukaryotic cell: C. Became dependent for their existence on the eukaryotic cell: D. Both contain: Naked circular DNA Prokaryotic-like (70s) ribosome E. Membranes of bacteria, plastids, and chloroplast contain no sterols. F. Antibiotics that kill or inhibit bacteria by interfering with 70s ribosome function also inhibit protein synthesis in mitochondria and plastids G. Great similarity between base sequences of ribosomal RNA of: 4 Mitochondria Chloroplasts Bacteria III. Sexual Reproduction: A. Occurs as part of the life cycle of most eukaryotic organisms B. Regular and ordered process C. Primary function: Genetic Recombination: Produces new gene combinations on which natural selection can act. D. During sexual reproduction: Chromosome number is reduced to 1n (haploid number) during formation of gametes: Sperm and eggs Gamete formation is followed by fusion of sperm and egg: Forms zygote: Has the original chromosome number: Diploid number 2n E. Sexual reproduction also occurs in prokaryotic cells: Process is not ordered: Almost never involves whole chromosome complements of two cells: Seems haphazard DNA transferred in one direction: From donor to recipient Mechanisms by which DNA is transferred are specialized: Conjugation Transformation Transduction B362