C2 - How do cells do what they do? Flashcards
(46 cards)
What are the functional characteristics of a cell?
- Growth
- Reproduction
- Metabolism
- Responsiveness
- Movement
- Differentiation
- Homeostasis
- Communication
List the major cellular organelles and briefly describe their functions.
- Nucleus: Control center of the cell, contains genetic material
- Mitochondria: Energy powerhouse of the cell, ATP production
- Ribosome: Site of protein synthesis
- Lysosome: Contains digestive enzymes for waste removal
- Golgi apparatus: Modifies, packages and distributes proteins and lipids
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum: Site of protein synthesis and modification
- Smooth endoplasmic reticulum: Site of lipid synthesis and detoxification
- Centrosome: Involved in cell division
Distinguish between the cytoplasm, cytosol, and cytoskeleton.
- Cytoplasm: All cell components outside the nucleus but inside the plasma membrane
- Cytosol: Intracellular fluid containing water, salts, and organic molecules
- Cytoskeleton: Structural protein filaments providing shape and stability to the cell
Describe the structure and the role of the cell (plasma) membrane.
The plasma membrane is a lipid bilayer that encloses and supports cellular contents, controls substance movement, and facilitates cell-to-cell communication.
Define ‘histology’.
Histology is the microscopic study of tissues to understand their structure and function.
What are the four types of primary tissues?
- Epithelial
- Connective
- Muscle
- Nervous
List the main characteristics of epithelial tissue.
- Composed of closely packed cells
- Avascular
- Has a free surface and a basal surface
- Sits on a basement membrane
What are the different cell shapes in epithelial tissue?
- Squamous
- Cuboidal
- Columnar
- Transitional
Provide an example of simple squamous epithelium and where it is found.
Found in alveoli of lungs for gas exchange.
What are the main characteristics of connective tissue?
- Diverse in structure and function
- Few cells with abundant extracellular matrix
- Provides support and binds other tissues
Describe the composition of connective tissue.
Connective tissue is composed of cells, fibers, and ground substance.
List the classes of connective tissue.
- Loose connective tissue
- Dense connective tissue
- Adipose tissue
- Cartilage
- Bone
- Blood
What are the characteristics of muscle tissue?
- Composed of elongated cells (muscle fibers)
- Capable of contracting to produce movement
- Types include skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle
What are the general characteristics of nervous tissue?
- Specialized for information processing
- Composed of neurons and supporting neuroglial cells
- Conducts signals quickly throughout the body
What is the intracellular fluid environment composed of?
Enzymes, water, ions, hormones, dissolved gases, glucose, and intracellular proteins.
Fill in the blank: The extracellular fluid is divided into _______ and _______.
[intravascular fluid] and [intercellular fluid]
True or False: All cells in the body are the same.
False
What happens to a cell if an organelle stops working?
The cell may cease to function properly or die.
What does haematoxylin stain?
Cell nucleus (DNA) dark purple.
What does eosin stain?
Cytoplasmic cell components pink.
What are the three types of simple epithelia?
- Simple squamous
- Simple cuboidal
- Simple columnar
What are the two main types of stratified squamous epithelia?
- Keratinized
- Non-keratinized
What types of cells would have a large number of mitochondria?
- Kidney cells
- Liver cells
- Muscle cells
What types of cells are multi-nucleated?
- Skeletal muscle cells
- Osteoclasts
