Chapter 3 Study Flashcards (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 3 notes.

Fluid mosaic model

A dynamic plasma membrane structure described as a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that move laterally, creating a fluid, mosaic-like arrangement.

Selective permeability

Property of the plasma membrane that allows some substances to cross more easily than others.

Lipid bilayer's role in selectivity

The hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer acts as a barrier to many polar molecules, contributing to selectivity.

Protein role in selectivity

Proteins, including channels and transporters, facilitate the movement of specific substances across the membrane.

Active transport vs. passive transport

Active transport uses energy to move substances against their concentration gradient; passive transport relies on the gradient and requires no direct energy input.

Osmosis in red blood cells (hypotonic, hypertonic, isotonic)

Hypotonic: water enters the cell causing swelling; Hypertonic: water leaves the cell causing shrinkage; Isotonic: no net water movement.

Vesicular transport

Bulk transport of large molecules via vesicles, including endocytosis and exocytosis.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments that provides structural support, enables movement, anchors organelles, and assists in intracellular transport.

Three types of cytoskeletal filaments

Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Membrane-bound organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis; rough ER has ribosomes, smooth ER does not.

Golgi apparatus

Organelle that packages, modifies, and ships proteins and lipids to their destinations.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing enzymes that digest waste, damaged organelles, and foreign material.

Heterochromatin

Condensed chromatin that is transcriptionally inactive.

Chromosome count in human somatic cells

46 chromosomes.

Sex chromosomes difference

Females typically have XX; males have XY.

Gametes vs. somatic cells

Gametes are haploid reproductive cells; somatic cells are diploid body cells.

Anabolism

Metabolic processes that construct complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy.

Catabolism

Metabolic processes that break down complex molecules to release energy.

Aerobic vs. anaerobic respiration

Aerobic uses oxygen and yields more ATP; anaerobic does not require oxygen and yields less ATP.

Transcription vs. translation

Transcription copies DNA into RNA; translation uses RNA to synthesize proteins.

Mitosis vs. meiosis

Mitosis yields two identical diploid cells for growth/repair; meiosis yields genetically diverse haploid gametes for sexual reproduction.

Benign vs. malignant growth

Benign is non-cancerous and non-invasive; malignant is cancerous and can invade/metastasize.

Aging

Gradual decline in physiological function over time, increasing vulnerability to disease and death.

Apoptosis vs. necrosis

Apoptosis is programmed, controlled cell death with minimal inflammation; necrosis is uncontrolled cell death often causing inflammation.