Cells, transport, action potential review topics

Cholesterol

Helps maintain the fluidity and stability of the cell membrane.

Centrosome/Centrioles

Involved in cell division and organization of microtubules.

Cytoplasm aka cytosol

Gel-like substance that fills the cell and suspends organelles.

Cytoskeleton

Provides structural support and facilitates cell movement.

Phospholipids

Main component of the lipid bilayer, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Integral proteins

Span the entire lipid bilayer and are involved in transport and cell signaling.

Peripheral proteins

Attached to the surface of the cell membrane and play various roles in cell function.

Transporter proteins

Facilitate the transport of specific substances across the membrane.

Channel proteins

Form pores or channels that allow the passage of specific ions or molecules.

Prokaryotic cells

Simple cells lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic cells

More complex cells with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleus with nucleolus

Contains genetic material and controls cell activities.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, generating energy through cellular respiration.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Involved in protein synthesis and modification.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.

Golgi apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for transport.

Ribosomes

Sites of protein synthesis.

Lysosomes, peroxisomes, and other vesicular structures

Contain enzymes for digestion and breakdown of cellular waste.

Glycoproteins

Proteins with attached carbohydrate chains involved in cell recognition and communication.

Channel/pore proteins

Form open channels for passive movement of ions or molecules.

Receptor proteins

Bind to specific ligands and initiate cellular responses.

Glycoproteins

Play a role in cell recognition, immune response, and cell adhesion.

Carrier proteins

Facilitate active or passive transport of specific substances across the membrane.

Diffusion

Passive movement of molecules or ions from higher to lower concentration.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane in response to concentration gradients.

Facilitated diffusion

Passive transport of molecules or ions across the membrane with the assistance of specific proteins.

Active transport

Movement of molecules or ions against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Hypertonic solution

Higher solute concentration compared to the surrounding solution.

Hypotonic solution

Lower solute concentration compared to the surrounding solution.

Isotonic solution

Equal solute concentration compared to the surrounding solution.

Cell body (soma)

Contains the nucleus and other organelles.

Dendrites

Receive signals from other neurons and transmit them towards the cell body.

Axon

Transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Axon terminals

Release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons or effector cells.

Resting potential

Membrane polarization with a negative charge inside the cell.

Depolarization

Membrane potential becomes more positive due to influx of positively charged ions.

Repolarization

Membrane potential returns to its negative resting state by efflux of positively charged ions.

Hyperpolarization

Brief period of increased negativity before returning to resting state.

Voltage-gated Na+ channels

Open in response to depolarizing stimulus, allowing influx of Na+ ions.

Voltage-gated K+ channels

Open with a slight delay after Na+ channels, allowing efflux of K+ ions.

Sodium/potassium pump

Actively transports Na+ out and K+ into the cell to maintain concentration gradients.