Skip to main content
Indietro

Cellular Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals

I pulsanti di controllo sono stati cambiati in modalità "navigazione".
1/31

Termini in questo insieme (31)

  • What is the cell according to cell theory?
    Cell is the smallest living unit in the human body; cells are building blocks of all organisms, come from division of preexisting cells, and maintain homeostasis at the cellular level.
  • What are the main functions of the plasma membrane?
    Physical isolation, regulation of exchange, sensitivity to environment, and structural support.
  • Describe the structure of the plasma membrane lipids.
    Phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails forming the core; contains cholesterol and glycolipids.
  • What are integral and peripheral membrane proteins?
    Integral proteins span the membrane; peripheral proteins are bound to inner or outer membrane surfaces.
  • List the functional types of membrane proteins.
    Anchoring, recognition, enzymes, receptor, carrier, and channel proteins.
  • What is the glycocalyx and its functions?
    A sticky sugar coat of proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids; functions in lubrication, protection, anchoring, specificity, and immune recognition.
  • What are organelles and how are they classified?
    Internal cell structures with specific functions; classified as membranous (e.g., ER, Golgi) or nonmembranous (e.g., cytoskeleton, ribosomes).
  • What is the cytoskeleton and its components?
    Protein framework providing shape, strength, and flexibility; includes microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
  • Functions of microfilaments in the cytoskeleton?
    Provide mechanical strength, attach plasma membrane to cytoplasm, interact with myosin for muscle contraction, and form terminal web.
  • Role of microtubules in the cell?
    Strengthen cell, anchor organelles, assist movement, form spindle apparatus, and compose centrioles and cilia.
  • What are centrioles and their function?
    Cylindrical structures in the centrosome that form the spindle apparatus during cell division.
  • Difference between primary and motile cilia?
    Primary cilia are nonmotile and sense stimuli; motile cilia beat to move fluids across cell surfaces.
  • What is the function of ribosomes?
    Synthesize proteins; free ribosomes produce cytosolic proteins, fixed ribosomes produce proteins for export or membranes.
  • Functions of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
    Rough ER synthesizes and modifies proteins; smooth ER synthesizes lipids, steroids, glycogen, and detoxifies drugs.
  • What are the main functions of the Golgi apparatus?
    Modify, package, and store secretions; renew plasma membrane; package enzymes into lysosomes.
  • Describe lysosome function and activation.
    Digest damaged organelles, bacteria, and debris; activated by fusion with organelles, endosomes, or membrane breakdown during autolysis.
  • What are peroxisomes and their role?
    Vesicles containing enzymes that break down fatty acids and organic compounds; neutralize hydrogen peroxide with catalase.
  • Describe mitochondria structure and function.
    Double membrane organelle with cristae; produces ATP by metabolizing nutrients; contains own DNA and ribosomes.
  • What is the nucleus and its main functions?
    Largest organelle controlling metabolism, storing genetic info, and directing protein synthesis.
  • What is transcription in protein synthesis?
    Synthesis of mRNA from DNA template; mRNA carries genetic code to cytoplasm for translation.
  • What occurs during translation?
    mRNA codons are decoded by ribosomes; tRNA delivers amino acids; polypeptides are formed until stop codon.
  • Define diffusion and factors affecting its rate.
    Passive movement from high to low concentration; influenced by distance, molecule size, temperature, gradient steepness, and electrical forces.
  • What is osmosis and osmotic pressure?
    Net diffusion of water across a membrane toward higher solute concentration; osmotic pressure is the force driving water movement.
  • Explain isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions.
    Isotonic: equal solute concentration, no net water movement; hypotonic: lower solute, water enters cell; hypertonic: higher solute, water leaves cell.
  • What is carrier-mediated transport?
    Transport via specific membrane proteins; can be passive (facilitated diffusion) or active (energy-dependent).
  • Describe primary and secondary active transport.
    Primary uses ATP to pump solutes against gradient; secondary uses gradient established by primary transport to move other solutes.
  • What is vesicular transport?
    Active transport moving materials in vesicles via endocytosis, exocytosis, or transcytosis.
  • What is membrane potential?
    Electrical potential difference across plasma membrane due to unequal charge distribution; resting potential ranges from −10 mV to −100 mV.
  • What is the cell life cycle and its phases?
    Sequence of growth and division: interphase (G0, G1, S, G2) and M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).
  • What is apoptosis?
    Genetically controlled programmed cell death.
  • What causes cancer at the cellular level?
    Mutations in genes regulating growth and division (oncogenes); caused by mutagens and carcinogens.