1.1 Review of Basic Cell Structure and Function

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on basic cell structure and function.

Cell Biology

The study of cells, their physiological properties, their structure, the organelles they contain, interactions with their environment, and how they function.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, unlike prokaryotes, which lack a nucleus.

Cytoplasmic Organelles

Specialized structures within the cell that perform distinct processes, critical for cell function.

Mitochondria

Known as the 'power plants' of the cell; they produce ATP through the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids.

Ribosomes

RNA-protein complexes that serve as the site of protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle that synthesizes and transports proteins and lipids within the cell.

Golgi Complex

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Cytoskeleton

The structural framework of the cell, providing shape, support, and aiding in movement.

Plasma Membrane

A lipid bilayer that surrounds the cell, providing structural integrity and controlling the movement of substances in and out.

Lipid Bilayer

The double-layered arrangement of phospholipids that form the core of cell membranes.

Amphipathic Molecule

A molecule that has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts, such as phospholipids.

Phospholipid

A type of lipid molecule that is a major component of cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.

Ligand

A specific molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Cell Receptor

Protein molecules on the cell membrane that receive and bind to signaling molecules.

Adhesions

Forces that hold cells together, important for the formation of tissues and organs.

Extracellular Matrix

A network of proteins and carbohydrates that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

Chemical Signaling

The way cells communicate with each other using signaling molecules.

Hormonal Signaling

Communication via hormones that travel through blood to remote cells.

Paracrine Signaling

Cell signaling that occurs when hormones or signals affect nearby cells.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another.

Gap Junction

Specialized intercellular connections that facilitate the direct transfer of ions and small molecules between neighboring cells.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the need for energy input.

Diffusion

The process of movement of solute from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to lower.

Filtration

The process that separates particles based on size through a barrier, such as a membrane.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A membrane protein that actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells engulf substances from the outside environment into the cell.

Exocytosis

The process of vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane to release contents outside the cell.

Pinocytosis

A form of endocytosis where the cell engulfs extracellular fluid and its dissolved solutes.

Phagocytosis

A process of endocytosis where large particles, such as bacteria, are engulfed by the cell.

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis

A specific form of endocytosis where cells internalize molecules via receptors on their surface.

Membrane Potential

The electrical potential difference across a cell membrane.

Resting Membrane Potential

The voltage difference across the membrane of a cell at rest, typically around -70 mV.

Action Potential

A rapid change in membrane potential that propagates along a neuron to transmit signals.

Threshold Potential

The critical level of depolarization that must be reached for an action potential to occur.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that forms the protective outer layer of the skin and lines organs and cavities.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs in the body.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for movement in the body; includes smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscle.

Neural Tissue

Tissue composed of neurons that receives and transmits electrical impulses.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water; they can dissolve in water.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water; they do not dissolve in water.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell converts an extracellular signal into an intracellular response.

Cholesterol in Membranes

A lipid that helps maintain the structural integrity of cell membranes by affecting fluidity.

Ion Channels

Proteins that create pores in the membrane to allow specific ions to pass through.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

The body fluid located outside of cells, including blood plasma and interstitial fluid.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

The fluid contained within cells.

Tissue Formation

The process by which cells come together to form tissues.

Biological Membranes

Barriers that separate intracellular environments from the extracellular space.

Hydrophobic Tails

The nonpolar, water-hating parts of phospholipid molecules.

Hydrophilic Heads

The polar, water-loving parts of phospholipid molecules.

Sphingolipids

A class of lipids that play key roles in signaling and membrane dynamics.

Protein Folding

The process by which a protein structure assumes its functional shape or conformation.

Plasma Membrane Proteins

Proteins associated with the cell membrane that perform various functions such as transport, signaling, and structural support.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to osmosis.

Cell Markers

Proteins on the cell surface that identify the type of cell to the immune system.

Neuronal Transmission

The process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals.

Ligand-Receptor Interaction

The process by which a ligand binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Signal Amplification

The process by which a small number of signaling molecules produce a significant effect on the cell.

Extracellular Signaling

Communication involving signaling molecules that travel outside of cells to affect other cells.

Cell Surface Receptors

Receptors located on the outer surface of the cell membrane that bind external signals.

Chemical Synapses

Junctions between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Cytoplasmic Streaming

The movement of the fluid substance (cytosol) within a plant or animal cell.

Polarization of Membranes

The separation of electric charges across the plasma membrane of a cell.

Cell Adhesion Molecules

Proteins located on the cell surface involved in the binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix.

Cellular Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Repolarization in Neurons

The process of restoring the membrane potential to its resting state after an action potential.

Somatic Cells

Any cell in the body except sperm and egg cells.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to various types of cells.

Neuronal Networks

Complex systems of interconnected neurons that process and transmit information.

Regenerative Medicine

A field of medicine aimed at repairing or replacing damaged cells, tissues, or organs.

Clinical Applications of Cell Biology

Understanding cellular mechanisms that leads to advancements in therapies and treatments for diseases.