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Anatomy & Physiology: Cell Transport, Osmosis, and Microscopy

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is diffusion in the context of cell transport?

    Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

  • What is osmosis?

    Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a region of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

  • Define isotonic solution in relation to red blood cells (RBCs).

    An isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as the inside of the RBC, so water moves in and out equally, and the cell retains its normal shape.

  • What happens to RBCs in a hypertonic solution?

    In a hypertonic solution, RBCs lose water by osmosis, shrink, and become crenated due to higher solute concentration outside the cell.

  • Describe the effect of a hypotonic solution on RBCs.

    In a hypotonic solution, RBCs take in water by osmosis, swell, and may lyse (burst) because the solute concentration is lower outside the cell.

  • How is molarity calculated from grams of solute and volume of solution?

    Molarity = moles of solute / liters of solution. Calculate moles by dividing grams of solute by molecular weight, then divide by volume in liters.

  • What is milliosmolarity and how is it calculated for NaCl solutions?

    Milliosmolarity = molarity × 1000 × number of ions (2 for NaCl). It measures total osmotic particles per liter.

  • What does the term 'like dissolves like' mean in solubility experiments?

    Polar molecules dissolve in polar solvents and non-polar molecules dissolve in non-polar solvents; similar polarity leads to solubility.

  • What is an amphipathic molecule?

    An amphipathic molecule has both polar and non-polar ends, allowing it to interact with both types of molecules and form structures like micelles.

  • List the four phases of mitosis.

    The four phases are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

  • What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?

    Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells; meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid gametes.

  • What are the stages of the cell cycle?

    The cell cycle stages are G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), G2 (preparation for mitosis), and M (mitosis).

  • How should a compound microscope be cleaned and stored?

    Clean oculars and objectives with ethanol on a kimwipe before and after use; store with oculars facing the back of the cupboard and matching microscope number.

  • What is the correct order of objective lenses to use when focusing a microscope?

    Start with 4X, then 10X, then 40X; never start with 100X to avoid transferring oil to other lenses.

  • What is the function of the diaphragm on a microscope?

    The diaphragm controls the amount of light passing through the specimen to improve contrast and resolution.

  • What are the disposal rules for biohazard materials in the lab?

    Dispose of slides with blood in small biohazard bags; gloves and wipes in large biohazard bags; solutions in labeled beakers; never pour solutions down the drain.

  • What is the role of the plasma membrane in cells?

    The plasma membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

  • Name three organelles involved in protein synthesis and transport.

    Ribosomes synthesize proteins, rough endoplasmic reticulum processes them, and the Golgi apparatus packages and ships proteins.

  • What is the cytoskeleton and its components?

    The cytoskeleton provides cell structure and movement; components include microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments.

  • What is the significance of the greater trochanter in the femur?

    The greater trochanter is a prominent bony projection on the femur used as an identification feature.