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Anatomy & Physiology: Cell Structure, Transport, and Epithelium Types

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Terms in this set (22)

  • What are the main types of epithelium?

    Simple squamous, simple cuboidal, simple columnar, transitional, stratified squamous, stratified cuboidal, and pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

  • What is the function of simple squamous epithelium?

    Allows diffusion and filtration due to its thin, flat cells; found in lungs and blood vessels.

  • Describe the process of protein synthesis in a cell.

    DNA is transcribed into mRNA in the nucleus, which is transported to the cytoplasm where ribosomes translate mRNA into protein using tRNA carrying amino acids.

  • What role does tRNA play in protein synthesis?

    tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches its anticodon with mRNA codons to assemble proteins.

  • What is passive transport across the cell membrane?

    Movement of molecules across the membrane without energy, including simple diffusion, channel-mediated diffusion, and facilitated diffusion.

  • How does active transport differ from passive transport?

    Active transport requires energy (ATP) to move molecules against their concentration gradient using carrier proteins.

  • What is simple diffusion?

    Movement of molecules from an area of higher to lower concentration directly through the lipid bilayer without assistance.

  • What is osmosis?

    Diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane from a hypotonic (low solute) to hypertonic (high solute) solution.

  • Define isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions in relation to cells.

    Isotonic: equal solute concentration; Hypotonic: lower solute outside causing cell swelling; Hypertonic: higher solute outside causing cell shrinkage.

  • What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?

    The control center containing DNA, directing cell activities and protein synthesis.

  • What is the role of ribosomes?

    Sites of protein synthesis where mRNA is translated into amino acid chains.

  • What is the difference between chromatin and chromosomes?

    Chromatin is loosely coiled DNA in the nucleus during interphase; chromosomes are tightly coiled DNA during cell division.

  • What is the function of mitochondria?

    Powerhouses of the cell that produce ATP through cellular respiration.

  • Describe the role of the Golgi apparatus.

    Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport inside or outside the cell.

  • What are lysosomes and their function?

    Organelles containing enzymes that digest cellular waste and foreign material.

  • What is facilitated diffusion?

    Passive transport where molecules move across membranes via carrier or channel proteins without energy.

  • What is filtration in cell transport?

    Movement of water and solutes through a membrane by hydrostatic pressure, usually in capillaries.

  • What is the cytoskeleton?

    A network of protein filaments that maintains cell shape, enables movement, and anchors organelles.

  • What is the difference between cytosol and interstitial fluid?

    Cytosol is the fluid inside cells; interstitial fluid surrounds cells in tissues.

  • What is the purpose of the cell cycle?

    To regulate cell growth and division, ensuring proper replication and function.

  • What are the phases of mitosis?

    Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—stages of nuclear division.

  • What is the difference between mitosis and cytokinesis?

    Mitosis divides the nucleus; cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm, completing cell division.