Chapter 3: The cellular level of organization

Flashcards are based on the "Principles of Anatomy & Physiology 15th ed" 3.0 - 3.9

3.0 Why is cancer so difficult to treat?

Due to a large variety of cells, The specific functions of the cells,

3.0 How do cells come to be?

Cells come from pre-existing cells. A cell will divide which produces 2 identical “daughter” cells

3.1 Define what a “cell” is

A cell is the basic unit of life in function and structure.

3.1 What are the 3 main things that a cell can be simplified to?

Plasma Membrane

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

3.1 Define what the “Plasma Membrane” is

It is the structural barrier of the cell with the ability to selective what enters and exist the cell.

• its main function is to keep the internal parts of the cell from the external environment

• its other functions include: communication and metabolism

3.1 Define what the “Cytoplasm” is

This is the fluid suspended in the cell which is in-between the nucleus and the plasma membrane. It is made of 2 parts: Cytosol & Organelles

• the “Cytosol” is the actual fluid of the cell which is made up of water, Dissolved solutes, and particles

• The “Organelles” are the “mini organ” that have specialized function, such as the ribosomes, mitochondria, and golgi

3.1 Define what the “nucleus” is

This is the most important organelle of the cell b/c it contains the cells DNA. Within the nucleus are Chromosomes

3.1 Define what “Chromosomes” Are

This are single molecule of DNA which are associated with proteins and contain “Hereditary units called “genes”

• the Genes are what control majority of cellular function/structure

3.2 Why are Plasma Membranes describe as a “fluid mosaic model”

This is b/c is it arrange with lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates which move like a sea

3.2 What is the structural frame work of the Plasma Membrane

It is composed of a “lipid bilayer” made up of phospholipids(70%), cholesterol(20%), glycolipids(5%)

3.2 define what a “glycolipids”

It is a lipid which has a carbohydrate

3.2 define what “cholesterol” is

It is a steroid with an attached hydroxyl group

3.2 define what “Amphipathic”

This is when a molecule has both non-polar and polar parts

3.2 Which part of the amphipathic phospholipids

Head: this is the part which is hydrophilic, The head is a phosphate group

tails: This is the part which is hydrophobic, they are tails of fatty acids

3.2 What are the 4 main functions of the Plasma membrane

1. it acts like a selective barrie keeping the inside in and the outside out

2. It controls the flow of substance in and out the cell

3. Helps to identify other cells

4. Participates in intercellular signaling

3.2 How do cholestrol attach to the lipid bilayer

Through hydrogen bonds

3.2 how are membrane proteins classfied

Integral

Peripheral

3.2 Define what “integral Proteins” are

These are proteins which extent through the whole layer of the bilayer

a majority of integral proteins are “transmembrane proteins”

3.2 Define what “Transmembrane proteins”

Proteins in the lipid bilayer that span the whole lipid bilayer and protrude through both sides

3.2 Define what “peripheral proteins” are

There are proteins which are embedded in the bilayer but don’t span the whole bilayer and are not firmly attached

3.2 Define what “glycoproteins” are

integral/peripheral proteins which have a carbohydrate group tattered to them

• The carbs which are attached can be a chain from 2 to 6 monosaccharides which can be straight or branched

3.2 what is the “glycocalyx”of the glycoprotein/glycolipid

This is a sugary coat which comes from the carbohydrate part of the glycolipid/glycoprotein

• These glycocalyx coatings will differ from cell to cell

3.2 What are some functions of the “glycocalyx”

It acts like a signature which can allow for recognition marker

It allows for cells to adhere to each other

And it proteins cells from beigng digested by enzymes in the extracellular fluid

3.2 When stimulating a cell, the hormone insulin first binds to a protein in the plasma membrane. This action best represents which membrane protein function?