Ch 3: The Cellular Level of Organization

BIOL 2301 - Margarita Bracamonte - HCCS

What is the most basic functional LIVING unit of the body?

A cell.

What is cytology?

The study of cellular structures and function.

About how many different cells are in the body?

200.

What are the two classes of cells in the body?

1. Germ/sex cells

2. Somatic cells

What are germ/sex cells?

Cells used for reproduction.

What are the male reproductive cells called? What is their common name?

Spermatozoum, commonly called sperm.

What are the female reproductive cells called? What is their common name?

Oocytes (premature) and ovum (mature), commonly called eggs.

What is the latin stem of the word somatic? What does it mean?

Soma- meaning body.

What are somatic cells?

Any cell in the body that is not a sex cell.

What are some things cells can vary by structurally?

Shape and size.

What are the three main parts of all cells?

1. Plasma membrane

2. Cytoplams

3. Nucleus (not in red blood cells)

What is another name for the plasma membrane?

Cell membrane.

What is the plasma membrane?

The outer boundry of the cell.

What are the three main functions of the plasma membrane?

1. Provides a physcial barrier to protect the inside of the cell

2. Controls what enters and exits the cell

3. Anchors and links one cell to another

What is the plasma membrane made up of?

• Lipids

• Carbohydrates

• Proteins

What is the most prominent component of a plasma membrane?

Lipids.

What is the most prominent lipid that makes up a plasma membrane? About how much percentage of the plasma membrane is this type of lipid?

About 75% of the plasma membrane is made up of phospholipids.

What structure is created