Cell Physiology Practice Flashcards

A set of fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering cell physiology, including prokaryote/eukaryote differences, organelles, cellular transport, signaling receptors, and developmental stages.

Only single __________ can be up-taken by cells for use in building proteins.

amino acids

The storage form of carbohydrates in humans is __________ and it is released by the hormones Glucagon and Epinephrine.

glycogen

Triglycerides are the storage form of lipids in __________ and the liver.

adipocytes

DNA is packaged into chromosomes via __________, which are proteins that condense or decondense DNA.

histones

The cell membrane is permeable to small, uncharged molecules like $H_2O$, __________, and glycerol.

urea

The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) is the site of __________ protein glycosylation, which involves adding sugar to Asparagine.

N-linked

The __________ is the site of lipid synthesis and toxin removal, specifically containing high concentrations of cytochrome P450 in the liver.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Small channels in the Endoplasmic Reticulum are called __________.

cisternae

In muscle cells, the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) is known as the __________ reticulum and stores $Ca^{+2}$.

sarcoplasmic

The Golgi Apparatus is the site of __________ protein glycosylation.

O-linked

__________ help with the breakdown of molecules and the breakdown of old organelles, a process known as autophagy.

Lysosomes

Mitochondria contain circular DNA that is __________ inherited.

maternally

Microtubules are composed of a protein called __________ and serve as the transport highway of vesicles.

Tubulin

__________ are whip-like motors found in sperm that enable reproduction through locomotion.

Flagellum

Microfilaments are composed of the protein __________ and link the cellular interior with adjacent cells.

Actin

The Extracellular Matrix (ECM) of protein is often made of __________ and is secreted by fibroblasts.

collagen

__________ are $Ca^{+2}$-dependent Cell Adhesion Proteins (CAMs).

Integrins

Gap Junctions are __________-mediated and allow for the quick exchange of ions or solutes between cells.

Connexin

__________ transport is the movement of particles from high to low concentration and requires no energy.

Passive

All Adrenergic receptors, which include ligands like Epinephrine and Norepinephrine, are __________-linked.

G-protein

The activation of __________ Adrenergic receptors results in vasoconstriction and the contraction of the bladder sphincter.

Alpha 1

__________ Adrenergic receptors increase cardiac output and stimulate water retention via renin.

Beta 1

Nicotinic receptors are all __________ receptors, while Muscarinic receptors are all G-protein linked.

Ion-gated

A __________ is a totipotent stem cell structure that forms around day $3$ and consists of approximately $30$ cells.

Morula

During Gastrulation, the three germ layers form: the Ectoderm, the Endoderm, and the __________.

Mesoderm

The placenta is derived from a part of the blastocyst called the __________.

trophoblast

The first cleavage of a zygote occurs approximately __________ hours post-fertilization.

$$30$$

The __________ germ layer is responsible for forming the digestive system and lungs.

Endoderm

Simple Squamous epithelium is found in structures like the Alveoli and __________ capsule.

Bowman’s

__________ muscle contains cigar-shaped nuclei in the center of the cells and lacks striations.

Smooth

The resting potential of a cell is maintained by the $Na^+/K^+$ pump, which moves __________ $Na^+$ out.

$$3$$

During an action potential, __________ ions rush into the cell during the depolarization phase.

sodium

__________ is required to break the myosin-actin interaction, and its loss upon death causes rigor mortis.

ATP

The primary function of the cell membrane is to maintain \_\_\_\_ and protect the cell's interior.

homeostasis

Steroid signaling often involves the modulation of \_\_\_\_ expression due to the receptor-ligand complex binding to DNA.

gene

Channel-linked receptors influence cell activity by allowing the flow of \_\_\_\_ ions, which can rapidly change the membrane potential.

charged

G-protein linked receptors can activate second messengers like \_\_\_\_ which amplify the signal inside the cell.

cAMP

Androgenic receptors are involved in the development of \_\_\_\_ traits, including muscle mass and hair growth.

masculine

Cholinergic receptors play a key role in the neuromuscular junction by facilitating the transmission of \_\_\_\_ impulses.

nerve

Nicotinic receptors are found in both the central nervous system and at the neuromuscular junction, promoting \_\_\_\_ contraction.

muscle

Muscarinic receptors can cause effects such as \_\_\_\_ of the heart rate and glandular secretion.

deceleration

Stem cell differentiation can be influenced by various factors, including \_\_\_\_ signals and the cellular microenvironment.

extracellular

Embryonic stem cell differentiation is highly regulated and involves signaling pathways such as \_\_\_\_ and Wnt signaling.

BMP

The ectoderm contributes to the formation of the nervous system and \_\_\_\_ in the developing embryo.

skin

Epithelial tissues are classified into different types based on cell shape, including \_\_\_\_ and cuboidal.

squamous

Muscle tissue can regenerate to varying extents, with skeletal muscle demonstrating a notable ability for \_\_\_\_ repair after injury.

fiber

An action potential is usually triggered by a rapid change in membrane \_\_\_\_ across the neuronal membrane.

voltage

Muscle action involves a cycle of cross-bridge formation, power stroke, and \_\_\_\_ release.

ATP

What are the two main types of lipids found in the body?

Triglycerides and phospholipids.

What is the primary function of cholesterol in cellular membranes?

Cholesterol helps maintain membrane fluidity and stability.

How do enzymes function as biological catalysts?

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.

What amino acid is the primary precursor for neurotransmitters such as serotonin?

Tryptophan.

What process converts glucose to pyruvate in the absence of oxygen?

Anaerobic glycolysis.

What are the major steps of cellular respiration?

Glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in cells?

The ER synthesizes proteins and lipids, and processes newly made molecules.

What is the role of ribosomes in the cell?

Ribosomes are responsible for translating mRNA into polypeptides (proteins).

How does the Na+/K+ pump contribute to resting membrane potential?

The Na+/K+ pump moves 3 Na+ ions out and 2 K+ ions into the cell, establishing a negative charge inside the cell.

What is the primary role of the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

What are the primary components of the cytoskeleton?

Microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments (actin).

What is apoptosis and how does it differ from necrosis?

Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs in a controlled manner, while necrosis is uncontrolled cell death caused by injury.

What are stem cells, and how are they classified?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can divide and give rise to various cell types; they are classified as embryonic or adult stem cells.