Cell Structure and Membrane Transport

These flashcards summarize key concepts about cell structure, metabolism, and membrane transport to aid in exam preparation.

What is the basic unit of life according to cell theory?

The cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of life.

What processes are involved in metabolism?

Metabolism includes all chemical reactions within an organism, including catabolism and anabolism.

What is catabolism?

Catabolism is the process that releases energy by breaking complex molecules into simpler ones.

What is anabolism?

Anabolism is the process that consumes energy to build complex molecules.

What are the characteristics associated with life?

Complex cellular organization, response to the environment, energy use, reproduction, growth and development.

What is cell differentiation?

Cell differentiation is the process by which unspecialized cells develop into specialized cells with distinct structures and functions.

What is the role of stem cells?

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can divide and differentiate into specialized cells.

What is the structure of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, lipids, and carbohydrates.

What is osmosis?

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What is facilitated diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion is the process by which transport proteins help move molecules across the plasma membrane without using energy.

What is the major function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus sorts and modifies products from the endoplasmic reticulum and packages them into transport vesicles.

Explain primary active transport.

Primary active transport is the movement of substances against their concentration gradient using energy from ATP.

Describe phagocytosis.

Phagocytosis is the process by which a cell engulfs large particles into a vesicle.

What are lysosomes?

Lysosomes are vesicles containing hydrolytic enzymes that digest large molecules or organelles.

What is meant by selective permeability of the cell membrane?

Selective permeability means that the cell membrane regulates what substances can enter and leave the cell.

What differentiates smooth ER from rough ER?

Smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism, while rough ER is involved in protein synthesis due to attached ribosomes.