Cell Structure Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is Histology?
Study of normal cell structure
What is Histopathology?
Study of cell structure changes in disease
What is the basic structure of complex organisms?
Many cells, with an extracellular matrix
What is differentiation?
Functional, Morphological Specialisation shown in cells of complex organisms
What type of cells are mammalian cells?
Eukaryotes
What type of organisms are prokaryotes?
Bacteria, mostly
What is the main feature of a eukaryotic cell?
A defined nucleus with a nuclear membrane
What are the functions of the plasma membrane? (4)
- Interface with external environment (e.g. other cells, extracellular matrix)
- Nutrient and metabolite transfer
- Attachment - to other cells, extracellular matrix
- Communication with external environment
What bounds the nucleus?
Nuclear membrane or Nuclear envelope
What is contained within the Nucleus?
Nucleoplasm, comprised of genetic material and proteins
What bounds most organelles?
Plasma membranes
What is the endoplasmic reticulum?
An extensive system of flattened, membrane-bound tubules, saccules and flattened cisterns widely distributed throughout the cytoplasm
What is the Golgi Apparatus?
Membrane bound saccules, located close to the nucleus
What are mitochondria?
Large, elongated organelles, scattered free in the cytoplasm, with a smooth outer and convoluted inner membrane
What smaller membrane bound structures appear in a cell? (2)
- Intracellular transport vesicles
- Lysosomes
What is cytoplasm?
The substance within the outer membrane, outwith the nucleus
The fluid medium is called cytosol, in which many metabolic reactions take place
What is the cytoskeleton?
A network of minute tubules and filaments, which provide structure to the cell
What are the functions of the cytoskeleton? (3)
- Structural support
- Transfer of materials
- Cell movement
Why are organelles membrane bound?
Creates separate biochemical environments for incompatible processes. Enzyme systems may be bound to membranes
