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Anatomy & Physiology: Cell Structure and Function

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Terms in this set (17)

  • What is the plasma membrane?

    the outside of the cell that separates extracellular and intracellular (cytoplasm) fluid.

  • What are protein molecules on the plasma membrane responsible for?

    identify cells and create specific cell functions or recognition.

  • What does the cytoplasm consist of?

    consists of cytosol (fluid) plus membrane-bound organelles.

  • What is cytosol?

    fluid portion of the cytoplasm.

  • What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum and their functions?
    The rough ER has ribosomes and assembles proteins; the smooth ER is involved in lipid metabolism and stores calcium.
  • What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

    sorts, processes, and packages proteins and membranes made by the rough ER.

  • What role do lysosomes play in the cell?

    contain digestive enzymes from the rough ER and metabolize lipids by breaking them down.

  • What is the function of peroxisomes?

    break down fatty acid chains and protect the cell against hydrogen peroxide produced during oxidative processes.

  • Why are mitochondria called the powerhouse of the cell?

    they produce energy in the form of ATP and contain their own DNA.

  • What is the main function of the nucleus?

    contains DNA and controls cell activities.

  • What are microtubules and their function?

    hollow tubes of tubulin protein to which organelles attach.

  • What are microfilaments and their role?

    actin filaments located just below the cell membrane that generate contractile forces for movement.

  • What are intermediate filaments and their function?

    protein fibers wound like rope that resist pulling forces and provide strength.

  • What is the purpose of tight junctions?

    form a belt-like seal between the apical regions of cells to create a seal, not for strength.

  • What do desmosomes do?

    provide strength and bind adjacent cells; they are anchoring junctions containing intermediate filaments and linker proteins.

  • How do desmosomes relate to Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD)?

    mutations affect desmosome linker proteins that connect cardiac muscle cells, weakening the right ventricle.

  • What is the function of gap junctions?

    They allow intercellular communication so molecules can quickly move from cell to cell.