exam tmr

Cytology

The study of the structure and function of cells.

Light Microscopy (LM)

Uses visible light to magnify cell structures with limited resolution.

Electron Microscopy (EM)

Uses electron beams for high-resolution imaging of cells.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Provides a 3D view of the cell’s surface.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

Provides detailed images of internal cell structures.

Cell Theory

States that all living things are made of cells; cells are the basic units of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells; cells are fundamental units of homeostasis.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid surrounding cells that provides nutrients and removes waste.

Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane)

A lipid bilayer that separates the cell from the external environment.

Cytoplasm

The fluid inside the cell containing cytosol and organelles.

Cytosol

The intracellular fluid containing ions, proteins, and dissolved nutrients.

Organelles

Specialized structures within the cytoplasm that perform specific functions.

Selective Permeability

The ability of the membrane to control which substances enter or exit the cell.

Passive Transport

Transport of substances without the use of ATP.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.

Osmosis

Movement of water across a membrane to balance solute concentrations.

Endocytosis

Process of bringing substances into the cell.

Exocytosis

Expelling materials from the cell.

Mitosis

The division of somatic (body) cells.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, crucial for development and maintaining homeostasis.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells with the potential to become different cell types.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous tumor that remains localized.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous tumor that invades tissues and may metastasize.

Facilitated Diffusion

Transport proteins help molecules move down a concentration gradient.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Studded with ribosomes and produces proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

No ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.

Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

Chromatin

Uncoiled DNA and proteins found in the nucleus.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into mRNA in the nucleus.

Translation

The process of assembling proteins from mRNA in the cytoplasm.

Cytokinesis

The process of dividing the cytoplasm to form two identical daughter cells.