Organization and complexity

Describe how different cell types can provide specialization for a particular organ?

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Different cell types have unique structures and functions to support organ efficiency:

1. Epithelial cells (lungs, intestines): Absorption and gas exchanges

2. Muscle cells (heart, skeletal): Contraction and movement

3. Neurons (brain, spinal cord): Signal transmission

4. Red blood cells: Oxygen transports

5. Hepatocytes (liver): Metabolism and detoxification

Identify how water plays a key role in regulating the intracellular and extracellular environment

1. Maintains cell shape through osmotic balance

2. Dissolves nutrients and gases for cellular processes

3. Transports molecules in blood and lymph

4. Regulates temperature via sweating and heat absorption

5. Removes waste through urine and sweat

6. Balances electrolytes for nerve signaling and muscle function

Identify the key functions of the major components of a cell-Nucleus

-Stores the cell’s genetic information in the form of DNA

-(Because it holds the DNA), the nucleus regulates gene expression, which in turn control processes like growth, division and metabolism

-Inside the nucleus, transcription occurs-where messenger RNA (mRNA) is created using DNA as a template

-The nucleolus is dense structure inside the nucleus that makes ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosome subunits.

-It’s surrounded by double membrane with nuclear pores that control what enters and exists

Identify the key functions of the major components of a cell- Endoplasmic reticulum (smooth and rough)

Rough ER (RER)

• Studded with ribosomes: Gives it a “rough” appearance under a microscope.

• Synthesizes proteins: Especially those that are secreted from the cell or sent to the membrane.

• Modifies proteins: Folds and processes proteins after they’re made.

• Transports proteins: Sends proteins to the Golgi apparatus via transport vesicles.

Smooth ER (SER)

• Lacks ribosomes: Has a smooth appearance.

• Synthesizes lipids: Including phospholipids and steroids.

• Detoxifies drugs and toxins: Especially in liver cells.

• Stores calcium ions: Important for muscle contraction and cell signaling.

Identify the key functions of the major components of a cell-Golgi

• Modifies proteins and lipids: Receives proteins/lipids from the rough ER and chemically alters them (e.g., adds sugars to form glycoproteins).

• Sorts and packages molecules: Organizes and packages materials into vesicles for transport.

• Produces lysosomes: Forms vesicles that become lysosomes (organelles containing digestive enzymes).

• Directs molecular traffic: Sends proteins and lipids to their correct destinations (inside or outside the cell).

• Involved in secretion: Especially active in cells that release hormones, enzymes, or mucus.

Identify the key functions of the major components of a cell-Mitochondria

• Produces cellular energy (ATP): Performs aerobic respiration to convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

• Regulates metabolism: Helps control energy-demanding processes like cell growth and signaling.

• Contains its own DNA and ribosomes: Can replicate independently and make some of its own proteins.

• Plays a role in apoptosis: Involved in programmed cell death, which helps remove damaged or unnecessary cells.

• Stores calcium ions: Acts as a buffer for calcium, important in cell signaling and muscle contraction.

Identify the key functions of the major components of a cell-Lysosomes

• Break down waste materials: Contain digestive enzymes that break down damaged organelles, proteins, and cellular debris.

• Digest foreign invaders: Destroy bacteria and viruses that enter the cell (especially in immune cells).

• Enable autophagy: Help the cell recycle its own components by digesting worn-out structures — a process called autophagy.

• Maintain cellular health: Prevent the buildup of waste, which protects the cell from damage.

• Formed by the Golgi apparatus: Vesicles from the Golgi become lysosomes when filled with hydrolytic enzymes.

Identify the key functions of the major components of a cell-Cytoskeleton

• Maintains cell shape: Provides structural support, giving the cell its shape and mechanical strength.

• Enables movement: Supports cell motility (e.g., via cilia and flagella) and the movement of internal components.

• Anchors organelles: Holds organelles in place and helps maintain their proper positioning.

• Facilitates intracellular transport: Acts like a highway system, allowing movement of vesicles, organelles, and proteins along its filaments.

• Assists in cell division: Forms the mitotic spindle, which separates chromosomes during mitosis.