Structural components of cell membrane

Lesson 8: Structural Components of the Cell Membrane and its Function

SYI-1.D: Describe the structure and/ or function of subcellular components and organelles. ★ SYI-1.E: Explain how subcellular components and organelles contribute to the function of the cell. ★ SYI-1.F: Describe the structural features of a cell that allow organisms to capture, store, and use energy. ★ ENE-1.B: Explain the effect of surface area-to-volume ratios on the exchange of materials between cells or organisms and the environment. ★ ENE-1.C: Explain how specialized structures and strategies are used for the efficient exchange of molecules to the environment. ★ ENE-2.A: Describe the roles of each of the components of the cell membrane in maintaining the internal environment of the cell. ★ ENE-2.B: Describe the Fluid Mosaic Model of cell membranes. ★ ENE-2.C: Explain how the structure of biological membranes influences selective permeability. ★ ENE-2.D: Describe the role of the cell wall in maintaining cell structure and function. ★ ENE-2.E: Describe the mechanisms that organisms use to maintain solute and water balance. ★ ENE-2.F: Describe the mechanisms that organisms use to transport large molecules across the plasma membrane. ★ ENE-2.G: Explain how the structure of a molecule affects its ability to pass through the plasma membrane. ★ ENE-2.H: Explain how concentration gradients affect the ★ movement of molecules across membranes. ★ ENE-2.I: Explain how osmoregulatory mechanisms contribute to the health and survival of organisms. ★ ENE-2.J: Describe the processes that allow ions and other molecules to move across membranes. ★ ENE-2.K: Describe the membrane-bound structures of the eukaryotic cell. ★ ENE-2.L: Explain how internal membranes and membrane- bound organelles contribute to compartmentalization of eukaryotic cell functions. ★ EVO-1.A: Describe similarities and/or differences in compartmentalization between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. ★ EVO-1.B: Describe the relationship between the functions of endosymbiotic organelles and their free-living ancestral counterparts

What is a Plant Cell? Plant cells are eukaryotic cells that vary in several fundamental factors from other eukaryotic organisms. Both plant and animal cells contain a nucleus along with similar organelles. One of the distinctive aspects of a plant cell is the presence of a cell wall outside the cell membrane. Plant Cell Structure Just like different organs within the body, plant cell structure includes various components known as cell organelles that perform different functions to sustain itself. These organelles include: Cell Wall It is a rigid layer which is composed of polysaccharides cellulose, pectin and hemicellulose. It is located outside the cell membrane. It also comprises glycoproteins and polymers such as lignin, cutin, or suberin. The primary function of the cell wall is to protect and provide structural support to the cell. The plant cell wall is also involved in protecting the cell against mechanical stress and providing form and structure to the cell. It also filters the molecules passing in and out of it. The formation of the cell wall is guided by microtubules. It consists of three layers, namely, primary, secondary and the middle lamella. The primary cell wall is formed by cellulose laid down by enzymes. Cell membrane It is the semi-permeable membrane that is present within the cell wall. It is composed of a thin layer of protein and fat. The cell membrane plays an important role in regulating the entry and exit of specific substances within the cell. For instance, cell membrane keeps toxins from entering inside, while nutrients and essential minerals are transported across. Nucleus The nucleus is a membrane-bound structure that is present only in eukaryotic cells. The vital function of a nucleus is to store DNA or hereditary information required for cell division, metabolism and growth. 1. Nucleolus: It manufactures cells’ protein-producing structures and ribosomes. 2. Nucleopore: Nuclear membrane is perforated with holes called nucleopore that allow proteins and nucleic acids to pass through. Plastids They are membrane-bound organelles that have their own DNA. They are necessary to store starch and to carry out the process of photosynthesis. It is also used in the synthesis of many molecules, which form the building blocks of the cell. Some of the vital types of plastids and their functions are stated below: Leucoplasts They are found in the non-photosynthetic tissue of plants. They are used for the storage of protein, lipid and starch. Chromoplasts They are heterogeneous, colored plastid which is responsible for pigment synthesis and for storage in photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Chromoplasts have red-, orange- and yellow-colored pigments which provide color to all ripe fruits and flowers. Central Vacuole It occupies around 30% of the cell’s volume in a mature plant cell. Tonoplast is a membrane that surrounds the central vacuole. The vital function of the central vacuole apart from storage is to sustain turgor pressure against the cell wall. The central vacuole consists of cell sap. It is a mixture of salts, enzymes and other substances. Golgi Apparatus They are found in all eukaryotic cells, which are involved in distributing synthesized macromolecules to various parts of the cell. Ribosomes They are the smallest membrane-bound organelles which comprise RNA and protein. They are the sites for protein synthesis, hence, also referred to as the protein factories of the cell. Mitochondria They are the double-membraned organelles found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. They provide energy by breaking down carbohydrate and sugar molecules, hence they are also referred to as the “Powerhouse of the cell.” Lysosome Lysosomes are called suicidal bags as they hold digestive enzymes in an enclosed membrane. They perform the function of cellular waste disposal by digesting worn-out organelles, food particles and foreign bodies in the cell. In plants, the role of lysosomes is undertaken by the vacuoles. Chloroplasts It is an elongated organelle enclosed by phospholipid membrane. The chloroplast is shaped like a disc and the stroma is the fluid within the chloroplast that comprises a circular DNA. Each chloroplast contains a green colored pigment called chlorophyll required for the process of photosynthesis. The chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the sun and uses it to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Structure of Chloroplast Chloroplasts are found in all higher plants. It is oval or biconvex, found within the mesophyll of the plant cell. The size of the chloroplast usually varies between 4-6 µm in diameter and 1-3 µm in thickness. They are double-membrane organelle with the presence of outer, inner and intermembrane space. There are two distinct regions present inside a chloroplast known as the grana and stroma. • Grana are made up of stacks of disc-shaped structures known as thylakoids or lamellae. The granum of the chloroplast consists of chlorophyll pigments and are the functional units of chloroplasts. • Stroma is the homogenous matrix which contains grana and is similar to the cytoplasm in cells in which all the organelles are embedded. Stroma also contains various enzymes, DNA, ribosomes, and other substances. Stroma lamellae function by connecting the stacks of thylakoid sacs or grana. The chloroplast structure consists of the following parts: Membrane Envelope It comprises inner and outer lipid bilayer membranes. The inner membrane separates the stroma from the intermembrane space. Intermembrane Space The space between inner and outer membranes. Thylakoid System (Lamellae) The system is suspended in the stroma. It is a collection of membranous sacs called thylakoids or lamellae. The green colored pigments called chlorophyll are found in the thylakoid membranes. It is the sight for the process of light-dependent reactions of the photosynthesis process. The thylakoids are arranged in stacks known as grana and each granum contains around 10-20 thylakoids. Stroma It is a colorless, alkaline, aqueous, protein-rich fluid present within the inner membrane of the chloroplast present surrounding the grana. Grana Stack of lamellae in plastids is known as grana. These are the sites of conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll It is a green photosynthetic pigment that helps in the process of photosynthesis. Functions of Chloroplast Following are the important chloroplast functions: • The most important function of the chloroplast is to synthesize food by the process of photosynthesis. • Absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy. • Chloroplast has a structure called chlorophyll which functions by trapping the solar energy and is used for the synthesis of food in all green plants. • Produces NADPH and molecular oxygen (O 2 ) by photolysis of water. • Produces ATP – Adenosine triphosphate by the process of photosynthesis. • The carbon dioxide (CO2) obtained from the air is used to generate carbon and sugar during the Calvin Cycle or dark reaction of photosynthesis. Mitochondria “Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles present in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells, that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy molecule used by the cell.” What are Mitochondria? Popularly known as the “Powerhouse of the cell,” mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) are a double membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic organisms. They are found inside the cytoplasm and essentially function as the cell’s “digestive system.” They play a major role in breaking down nutrients and generating energy-rich molecules for the cell. Many of the biochemical reactions involved in cellular respiration take place within the mitochondria. The term ‘mitochondrion’ is derived from the Greek words “mitos” and “chondrion” which means “thread” and “granules-like”, respectively. It was first described by a German pathologist named Richard Altmann in the year 1890. Structure of Mitochondria • The mitochondrion is a double-membraned, rod-shaped structure found in both plant and animal cell. • Its size ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometers in diameter. • The structure comprises an outer membrane, an inner membrane, and a gel-like material called the matrix. • The outer membrane and the inner membrane are made of proteins and phospholipid layers separated by the intermembrane space. • The outer membrane covers the surface of the mitochondrion and has a large number of special proteins known as porins. Cristae The inner membrane of mitochondria is rather complex in structure. It has many folds that form a layered structure called cristae, and this helps in increasing the surface area inside the organelle. The cristae and the proteins of the inner membrane aid in the production of ATP molecules. The inner mitochondrial membrane is strictly permeable only to oxygen and ATP molecules. A number of chemical reactions take place within the inner membrane of mitochondria. Mitochondrial Matrix The mitochondrial matrix is a viscous fluid that contains a mixture of enzymes and proteins. It also comprises ribosomes, inorganic ions, mitochondrial DNA, nucleotide cofactors, and organic molecules. The enzymes present in the matrix play an important role in the synthesis of ATP molecules. Functions of Mitochondria The most important function of mitochondria is to produce energy through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. It is also involved in the following process: 1. Regulates the metabolic activity of the cell 2. Promotes the growth of new cells and cell multiplication 3. Helps in detoxifying ammonia in the liver cells 4. Plays an important role in apoptosis or programmed cell death 5. Responsible for building certain parts of the blood and various hormones like testosterone and estrogen 6. Helps in maintaining an adequate concentration of calcium ions within the compartments of the cell 7. It is also involved in various cellular activities like cellular differentiation, cell signaling, cell senescence, controlling the cell cycle and in cell growth. Disorders Associated with Mitochondria Any irregularity in the way mitochondria function can directly affect human health, but often, it is difficult to identify because symptoms differ from person to person. Disorders of the mitochondria can be quite severe; in some cases, they can even cause an organ to fail.

Animal Cells Animal cells contain many organelles, which are subunits within the cell that perform specialized functions. The organelles may be membrane-bound (enclosed within a lipid bilayer) or non-membrane bound (free in the cytoplasm). Here is a list of animal cell components and organelles and their functions: • Cell Membrane: The cell membrane or plasma membrane is a selectively permeable lipid bilayer that encloses the contents of the cell and regulates the transport of materials into and out of it. • Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid that gives a cell is shape and contains the molecules the cell needs for its processes. • Cytoskeleton: The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers that provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and enables cell movement. It is composed of three main types of protein filaments: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. • Nucleus: The nucleus is the control center of the cell, containing DNA and regulating gene expression. It is surrounded by a double-layered nuclear envelope or nuclear membrane that has nuclear pores that allow the exchange of materials between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Nucleolus: Located within the nucleus, the nucleolus is the site of pre-ribosome production. • Mitochondria: Often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the cell, mitochondria are responsible for generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration. • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): The ER is a network of membrane-bound tubes and sacs involved in the synthesis, folding, and transport of proteins and lipids. There are two types of ER: the rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis, and the smooth ER, which is responsible for lipid synthesis and detoxification. • Ribosomes: These small structures, composed of RNA and proteins, are the sites of protein synthesis within the cell. They can be found either free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER. • Golgi Apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport to their final destinations within or outside the cell. • Lysosomes: Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris, playing a crucial role in the recycling of cellular components. • Peroxisomes: These small organelles contain enzymes that neutralize toxic substances and break down fatty acids, contributing to cellular detoxification and energy production. • Centrosome: The centrosome is an organelle found in animal cells but not plant cells. It is a small organelle near the nucleus with radiating tubules. The centrosome produces and organizes microtubules and regulates cell division so that the cell contents equally divide between daughter cells.

Lipids are large, nonpolar organic molecules. They do not dissolve in water. Lipids include triglycerides (trie-GLIS-uhr-IEDZ), phospho- lipids, steroids, waxes, and pigments. Lipid molecules have a higher ratio of carbon and hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms than carbohydrates have. Because lipid molecules have larger numbers of carbon-hydrogen bonds per gram than other organic com- pounds do, they store more energy per gram. Fatty Acids Fatty acids are unbranched carbon chains that make up most lipids. Figure 3-10 shows that a fatty acid contains a long carbon chain (from 12 to 28 carbons) with a carboxyl group, —COOH, attached at one end. The two ends of the fatty-acid molecule have different properties. The carboxyl end is polar and is thus hydrophilic or attracted to water molecules. In contrast, the hydro- carbon end of the fatty-acid molecule is nonpolar. This end tends not to interact with water molecules and is said to be hydrophobic (HIE-droh-FOH-bik), or “water fearing.” In saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, which is shown in Figure 3-10, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four atoms. The carbon atoms are in effect full, or saturated. In contrast, linoleic acid, also shown in Figure 3-10, has carbon atoms that are not bonded to the maximum number of atoms to which they can bond. Instead, they have formed double bonds within the carbon chain. This type of fatty acid is said to be unsaturated. Triglycerides Three classes of lipids important to living things contain fatty acids: triglycerides (fats), phospholipids, and waxes. A triglyceride is composed of three molecules of fatty acid joined to one molecule of the alcohol glycerol. Saturated triglycerides are composed of saturated fatty acids. They typically have high melting points and tend to be hard at room temperature. Common dietary saturated triglycerides include butter and fats in red meat. In contrast, unsaturated triglycerides are composed of unsaturated fatty acids and are usually soft or liquid at room temperature. Unsaturated triglycerides are found primarily in plant seeds where they serve as an energy and carbon source for germinating plants. Phospholipids Phospholipids have two, rather than three, fatty acids attached to a molecule of glycerol. They have a phosphate group attached to the third carbon of the glycerol. As shown in Figure 3-11, the cell membrane is made of two layers of phospholipids, called the lipid bilayer. The inability of lipids to dissolve in water allows the mem- brane to form a barrier between the inside and outside of the cell. Hydrophilic “head” Phospholipids Hydrophobic “tail” Phospholipids Water Water The lipid bilayer of a cell membrane is a double row of phospholipids.The “tails” face each other.The “head” of a phospholipid, which contains a phosphate group, is polar and hydrophilic.The two tails are two fatty acids and are nonpolar and hydrophobic. FIGURE 3-11 H C H C O OH H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H C H H H H C H H C H H C H H C H H C H C O OH H C H H C H H C H C H C H C H H C H H C H C H H C H H C H C H H H H C H Fatty acids have a polar carboxyl head, highlighted in purple, and a nonpolar hydrocarbon tail, highlighted in green. FIGURE 3-10 Palmitic acid Linoleic acid mb06se_bchs02.qxd 5/18/07 10:49 AM Page 59 60 CHAPTER 3 1. Compare the structure of monosaccharides, dis- accharides, and polysaccharides. 2. How are proteins constructed from amino acids? 3. How do amino acids differ from one another? 4. Describe a model of enzyme action. 5. Why do phospholipids orient in a bilayer when in a watery environment, such as a cell? 6. Describe how the three major types of lipids differ in structure from one another. 7. What are the functions of the two types of nucleic acids? CRITICAL THINKING 8. Applying Information Before a long race, run- ners often “carbo load.” This means that they eat substantial quantities of carbohydrates. How might this help their performance? 9. Recognizing Relationships High temperatures can weaken bonds within a protein molecule. How might this explain the effects of using a hot curling iron or rollers in one’s hair? 10. Applying Information You want to eat more unsaturated than saturated fats. Name examples of foods you would eat more of and less of. SECTION 2 REVIEW Waxes A wax is a type of structural lipid consisting of a long fatty-acid chain joined to a long alcohol chain. Waxes are waterproof, and in plants, form a protective coating on the outer surfaces. Waxes also form protective layers in animals. For example, earwax helps pre- vent microorganisms from entering the ear canal. Steroids Unlike most other lipids, which are composed of fatty acids, steroid molecules are composed of four fused carbon rings with various functional groups attached to them. Many animal hor- mones, such as the male hormone testosterone, are steroid com- pounds. One of the most familiar steroids in humans is cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed by the body for nerve and other cells to func- tion normally. It is also a component of the cell membrane. NUCLEIC ACIDS Nucleic acids are very large and complex organic molecules that store and transfer important information in the cell. There are two major types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid. Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, contains information that deter- mines the characteristics of an organism and directs its cell activi- ties. Ribonucleic (RIE-boh-noo-KLEE-ik) acid, or RNA, stores and transfers information from DNA that is essential for the manufactur- ing of proteins. Some RNA molecules can also act as enzymes. Both DNA and RNA are polymers, composed of thousands of linked monomers called nucleotides (NOO-klee-uh-TIEDS). As shown in Figure 3- 12, each nucleotide is made of three main components: a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar, and a ring-shaped nitrogenous base.

Life Processes Identify and define the seven life processes (MRS GREN). Classification Group living organisms based on observed similarities and differences. Classify vertebrates into taxonomic groups based on visible physical characteristics. Construct a dichotomous key to classify vertebrates. Cells Compare the structure of generalised plant and animal cells, and selected microbes (e.g. bacteria, fungi and Amoeba) Distinguish among cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, temporary and permanent vacuoles, mitochondrion, chloroplast, endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. Relate the structure of organelles to their functions; Identify specialised cells such as blood cells, ciliated epithelial cells, nerve cells, root hair cells, sperm cells and egg cells. Explain the importance of cell specialisation in multicellular organisms; include hierarchy of cells, tissues, organs; organ systems and then organism Diffusion, Osmosis, Active transport and Osmoregulation Explain the processes of diffusion, osmosis and active transport. Identify everyday instances of these processes occurring. Discuss the importance of diffusion, osmosis and active transport in living systems. Nutrition in Plants Describe the process of photosynthesis in green plants; test for end products, starch or reducing sugar (glucose). Relate the structure of the leaf of a flowering plant to its function in photosynthesis; draw and label the external features and the internal structure (cross section) of a leaf as seen in cross section under the light microscope. Nutrition in Humans Discuss the importance of a balanced diet in humans. State components of a balanced diet (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals, water and roughage and their roles) along with the results of their deficiency or surplus. Suggest dietary recommendations for treating and preventing named deficiency and physiological diseases (such as those outlined in the manual and your notes). Perform tests to distinguish among food substances - Test for proteins (Biuret), fats (grease spot), starch (iodine), reducing sugars (Benedict’s solution). The Digestive System in Humans Relate the structures of the human alimentary canal to their functions; Draw and label simple diagrams of the alimentary canal and internal structure of a tooth required. Describe mastication and the role of teeth in the mechanical breakdown of food to be included. (Compare types of teeth in humans and compare types of teeth in herbivores and carnivores.) Explain the role and importance of enzymes role of digestive enzymes in the mouth, stomach and pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine. Discuss properties of enzymes. Deduce from tables and graphs the effects of temperature and pH on enzyme activity. Experimental Skills Follow all drawing rules as outlined in the drawing skills checklist posted in the classroom (including calculation of magnification).

Plant cells have three kinds of structures that are not found in animal cells and that are extremely important to plant survival: plastids, central vacuoles, and cell walls. PLANT CELLS Most of the organelles and other parts of the cell just described are common to all eukaryotic cells. However, plant cells have three additional kinds of structures that are extremely important to plant function: cell walls, large central vacuoles, and plastids. To understand why plant cells have structures not found in ani- mal cells, consider how a plant’s lifestyle differs from an animal’s. Plants make their own carbon-containing molecules directly from carbon taken in from the environment. Plant cells take carbon diox- ide gas from the air, and in a process called photosynthesis, they convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars. The organelles and structures in plant cells are shown in Figure 4-21. SECTION 4 OBJECTIVES ● List three structures that are present in plant cells but not in animal cells. ● Compare the plasma membrane, the primary cell wall, and the secondary cell wall. ● Explain the role of the central vacuole. ● Describe the roles of plastids in the life of a plant. ● Identify features that distinguish prokaryotes, eukaryotes, plant cells, and animal cells. VOCABULARY cell wall central vacuole plastid chloroplast thylakoid chlorophyll Chloroplast Golgi apparatus Mitochondrion Cell membrane Nucleolus Nucleus Cytoskeleton Rough endoplasmic reticulum Pore Smooth endoplasmic reticulum Central vacuole Ribosome Cell wall In addition to containing almost all of the types of organelles that animal cells contain, plant cells contain three unique features. Those features are the cell wall, the central vacuole, and plastids, such as chloroplasts. FIGURE 4-21 Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. 88 CHAPTER 4 CELL WALL The cell wall is a rigid layer that lies outside the cell’s plasma membrane. Plant cell walls contain a carbohydrate called cellulose. Cellulose is embedded in a matrix of proteins and other carbohy- drates that form a stiff box around each cell. Pores in the cell wall allow water, ions, and some molecules to enter and exit the cell. Primary and Secondary Cell Walls The main component of the cell wall, cellulose, is made directly on the surface of the plasma membrane by enzymes that travel along the membrane. These enzymes are guided by microtubules inside the plasma membrane. Growth of the primary cell wall occurs in one direction, based on the orientation of the microtubules. Other components of the cell wall are made in the ER. These materials move in vesicles to the Golgi and then to the cell surface. Some plants also produce a secondary cell wall. When the cell stops growing, it secretes the secondary cell wall between the plasma membrane and the primary cell wall. The secondary cell wall is very strong but can no longer expand. The wood in desks and tabletops is made of billions of secondary cell walls. The cells inside the walls have died and disintegrated. CENTRAL VACUOLE Plant cells may contain a reservoir that stores large amounts of water. The central vacuole is a large, fluid-filled organelle that stores not only water but also enzymes, metabolic wastes, and other materials. The central vacuole, shown in Figure 4-22, forms as other smaller vacuoles fuse together. Central vacuoles can make up 90 percent of the plant cell’s volume and can push all of the other organelles into a thin layer against the plasma membrane. When water is plentiful, it fills a plant’s vacuoles. The cells expand and the plant stands upright. In a dry period, the vacuoles lose water, the cells shrink, and the plant wilts. Other Vacuoles Some vacuoles store toxic materials. The vacuoles of acacia trees, for example, store poisons that provide a defense against plant-eating ani- mals. Tobacco plant cells store the toxin nicotine in a storage vacuole. Other vacuoles store plant pigments, such as the colorful pigments found in rose petals. The central vacuole occupies up to 90 percent of the volume of some plant cells. The central vacuole stores water and helps keep plant tissue firm. FIGURE 4-22 Central vacuole Nucleus Chloroplast Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION 89 PLASTIDS Plastids are another unique feature of plant cells. Plastids are organelles that, like mitochondria, are surrounded by a double mem- brane and contain their own DNA. There are several types of plastids, including chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts. Chloroplasts Chloroplasts use light energy to make carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. As Figure 4-23 shows, each chloroplast contains a system of flattened, membranous sacs called thylakoids. Thylakoids contain the green pigment chlorophyll, the main mole- cule that absorbs light and captures light energy for the cell. Chloroplasts can be found not only in plant cells but also in a wide variety of eukaryotic algae, such as seaweed. Chloroplast DNA is very similar to the DNA of certain photosyn- thetic bacteria. Plant cell chloroplasts can arise only by the divi- sion of preexisting chloroplasts. These facts may suggest that chloroplasts are descendants of ancient prokaryotic cells. Like mitochondria, chloroplasts are also thought to be the descendants of ancient prokaryotic cells that were incorporated into plant cells through a process called endosymbiosis. Chromoplasts Chromoplasts are plastids that contain colorful pigments and that may or may not take part in photosynthesis. Carrot root cells, for example, contain chromoplasts filled with the orange pigment carotene. Chromoplasts in flower petal cells contain red, purple, yellow, or white pigments. Other Plastids Several other types of plastids share the general features of chloro- plasts but differ in content. For example, amyloplasts store starch. Chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and amyloplasts arise from a common precursor, called a proplastid. Thylakoid Inner membrane Outer membrane chloroplast from the Greek chloros, meaning “pale green,” and plastos, meaning “formed” Word Roots and Origins A chloroplast captures energy from sunlight and uses that energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and other carbohydrates. FIGURE 4-23 Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. 90 CHAPTER 4 COMPARING CELLS All cells share common features, such as a cell membrane, cyto- plasm, ribosomes, and genetic material. But there is a high level of diversity among cells, as shown in Figure 4-24. There are signifi- cant differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In addition, plant cells have features that are not found in animal cells. Prokaryotes Versus Eukaryotes Prokaryotes differ from eukaryotes in that prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes have a region, called a nucleoid, in which their genetic material is concen- trated. However, prokaryotes lack an internal membrane system. Plant Cells Versus Animal Cells Three unique features distinguish plant cells from animal cells. One is the production of a cell wall by plant cells. Plant cells contain a large central vacuole. Third, plant cells contain a variety of plastids, which are not found in animal cells. Cell walls, central vacuoles, and plastids are unique features that are important to plant function. 1. Identify three unique features of plant cells. 2. List the differences between the plasma mem- brane, the primary cell wall, and the secondary cell wall. 3. Identify three functions of plastids. 4. Name three things that may be stored in vacuoles. 5. Describe the features that distinguish prokary- otes from eukaryotes and plant cells from animal cells. CRITICAL THINKING

SB2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how genetic information is expressed in cells. a. Construct an explanation of how the structures of DNA and RNA lead to the expression of information within the cell via the processes of replication, transcription, and translation. Learning Targets _______Identify the structural components of DNA and RNA Success Criteria _______Can accurately identify the key structural components of DNA (deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine). _______Can identify the key structural components of RNA (ribose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous bases: adenine, uracil, cytosine, guanine). _______Can describe the differences in the sugar backbone of DNA and RNA (deoxyribose vs. ribose). _______Can identify the double-stranded structure of DNA and the single-stranded structure of RNA. _______Identify the parts of protein synthesis and the location of each process Success Criteria _______Can identify and describe the two main processes of protein synthesis: transcription and translation. _______Can correctly explain that transcription occurs in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. _______Can explain that translation occurs in the cytoplasm at ribosomes where mRNA is translated into amino acid sequences to form proteins. _______Compare and Contrast DNA to RNA Success Criteria _______Can clearly identify similarities between DNA and RNA, such as both being nucleic acids and containing nucleotide structures. _______Can explain differences in DNA and RNA, including sugar types (deoxyribose vs. ribose), strand number (double-stranded DNA vs. single-stranded RNA), and nitrogenous base usage (thymine in DNA vs. uracil in RNA). _______Can describe the function of DNA as genetic storage and the function of RNA in protein synthesis (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA). _______Analyze the reasoning for enzymes usage in both DNA replication and protein synthesis. Success Criteria _______Can identify key enzymes involved in DNA replication (e.g., helicase, DNA polymerase, ligase) and explain their functions (e.g., helicase-unwinding DNA, DNA polymerase-synthesizing new DNA strands, ligase-sealing nicks in the DNA backbone). _______Can identify enzymes involved in protein synthesis (e.g., RNA polymerase) and explain their role in transcribing DNA into mRNA. _______Can analyze why enzymes are essential for speeding up chemical reactions…(ensuring accuracy, and catalyzing steps in replication and protein synthesis) _______Can provide specific examples of how enzyme malfunction can impact genetic replication or protein synthesis. _______Perform the steps of DNA replication and protein synthesis in order to demonstrate their understanding of how the structure of DNA supports the genetic expression in successive generations. Success Criteria _______Can demonstrate a step-by-step understanding of DNA replication, including unwinding, complementary base pairing, and proofreading. _______Can demonstrate the steps of transcription (formation of mRNA from DNA) and translation (conversion of mRNA into a polypeptide). _______Can show how DNA's structure (double helix, base pairing) ensures accurate replication for passing genetic information to offspring. _______Can illustrate how changes in DNA sequence can lead to changes in protein structure and function, thus affecting traits in successive generations.

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