Units of Life
Chapter 4 Cells: The Working Units of Life
Key Concepts
4.1 Cells Provide Compartments for Biochemical
Reactions
4.2 Prokaryotic Cells Do Not Have a Nucleus
4.3 Eukaryotic Cells Have a Nucleus and Other
Membrane-Bound Compartments
4.4 The Cytoskeleton Provides Strength and
Movement
4.5 Extracellular Structures Provide Support
and Protection For Cells and Tissues
Chapter 4 Opening Question
Prokaryotic cells:
Other plastids:
Chromoplasts make and store red, yellow,
and orange pigments, especially in flowers
and fruits.
Concept 4.3 Eukaryotic Cells Have a Nucleus and Other
Membrane-Bound Compartments
The cytoskeleton:
Supports and maintains cell shape
Holds organelles in position
Moves organelles
Involved in cytoplasmic streaming
Interacts with extracellular structures to
anchor cell in place
Concept 4.4 The Cytoskeleton Provides Strength and Movement
Microfilaments (small)
Microtubules (large)
Concept 4.4 The Cytoskeleton Provides Strength and Movement
Microfilaments:
Help a cell or parts of a cell to move
Intermediate filaments:
At least 50 different kinds in six molecular
classes
Tough, ropelike protein assemblages;
more permanent than other filaments and
do not show dynamic instability
Anchor cell structures in place
Resist tension, maintain rigidity
Figure 4.10 The Cytoskeleton (Part 2)
Concept 4.4 The Cytoskeleton Provides Strength and Movement
Microtubules:
Thickest cytoskeleton elements.
Form a rigid internal skeleton for some
cells or regions
Act as a framework for motor proteins to
move structures in the cell
Figure 4.10 The Cytoskeleton (Part 3)
Concept 4.4 The Cytoskeleton Provides Strength and Movement
A fibrous macromolecule
Desmosomes