PHS Cytology Arjun Ganesh

What is the cell theory?

The cell theory states that all living things are composed of cells, which are the basic unit of life, and that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

What happens when a cell gets too large?

When a cell gets too large, it can become inefficient in its operations, struggle to transport materials, and may not be able to meet its metabolic needs.

Why is there a limit to how big cells can get?

There is a limit to how big cells can get due to the ratio of surface area to volume, as the volume increases faster than surface area, making it difficult for the cell to exchange substances.

What nutrients go into a cell?

The nutrients that go into a cell include glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for cellular metabolism and function.

What waste products come out of a cell?

Waste products such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and other metabolic byproducts are expelled from a cell to maintain homeostasis.

What is the surface area of a cell?

The total area of the cell membrane that encloses the cell, which is crucial for nutrient uptake and waste removal. Surface area is proportional to the square of the cell's radius.

What is the volume of a cell?

The space occupied by a cell, typically measured in cubic micrometers, which is important for understanding cellular function and nutrient exchange.

What are prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are simple, single-celled organisms without a nucleus, such as bacteria.

What are eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are complex cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

What does karyo- mean?

Karyo- means 'nucleus' in Greek.

What are bacterial cell walls made up of?

Bacterial cell walls are primarily made up of peptidoglycan, a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids.

What is the cytoplasm made up of?

The cytoplasm is made up of a gel-like substance called cytosol, along with organelles, proteins, and other molecules.

What shape is the chromosome inside of bacterial cells?

The chromosome inside bacterial cells is typically circular.

What is the cell membrane?

The cell membrane is a protective barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.

What does semi- permeable mean?

Semi-permeable means that the cell membrane allows certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

What is the bilayer made up of?

The bilayer is made up of phospholipids, which have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

What do all living cells need to be surrounded by?

All living cells need to be surrounded by a fluid environment, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and waste.

What are embedded in the cell membrane?

Proteins and cholesterol are embedded in the cell membrane, playing roles in transport, signal transduction, and structural support.

What are enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells.

What are ion channels?

Ion channels are proteins that allow ions to pass through the cell membrane, playing a key role in cellular signaling.

What are transporter proteins?

Transporter proteins are responsible for moving substances across the cell membrane.

What are receptor site proteins?

Receptor site proteins bind to specific molecules (ligands) to trigger cellular responses.

What are recognition site proteins?

Recognition site proteins help the immune system identify and respond to foreign cells.

What are immunosuppressant drugs?

Immunosuppressant drugs are medications that suppress the immune response, often used in transplant patients.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.

What is diffusion?

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

What are the four factors that affect the rate of diffusion?

1. Concentration gradient

2. Temperature

3. Surface area

4. Distance