What does the Cell Theory state about cells?
A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms; the activity of an organism depends on the collective activities of its cells; the biochemical activities of cells are dictated by their structure; and continuity of life has a cellular basis.
What elements are most cells composed of?
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen.
What are the three main regions of a generalized cell?
Plasma membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm.
What is the function of the plasma membrane?
Serves as a barrier for cell contents and separates cell contents from the surrounding environment.
What is the fluid mosaic model?
A model that describes the plasma membrane structure consisting of two layers of phospholipids with cholesterol and proteins scattered among them.
What are the types of cell junctions?
Tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions.
What is the nucleus's role in the cell?
The control center of the cell that contains genetic material (DNA) necessary for protein building and cell reproduction.
What are ribosomes made of?
Ribosomal RNA and proteins.
What is the primary function of mitochondria?
To break down food and produce ATP (energy) through aerobic respiration.
Differentiate between active and passive transport processes.
Active transport requires metabolic energy (ATP) to move substances, while passive transport does not.
What is phagocytosis?
A process in which a cell engulfs large particles, such as bacteria, as a protective mechanism.
What are the primary types of muscle tissue?
Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissue.
What is epithelial tissue, and what are its functions?
A type of tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities, providing protection, absorption, filtration, and secretion.
What characterizes connective tissue?
Connective tissue serves to support and bind other tissues, varying widely in distribution and blood supply.
Explain the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands.
Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands secrete through ducts to the epithelial surface.
What events occur during the repair process of tissue?
Inflammation, formation of granulation tissue, and either regeneration or fibrosis.
What types of tissues regenerate easily?
Epithelial tissue, fibrous connective tissues, and bone.
What is neoplasia?
Abnormal cell growth resulting in benign or cancerous masses where normal controls on cell division do not function.
Describe the role of RNA in protein synthesis.
RNA transmits the instructions from DNA for building proteins and assists in protein assembly at the ribosomes.