Cells and Tissues – General Cell Biology Review

These flashcards cover the major structures, functions, and concepts related to cells and tissues from the provided lecture notes. They emphasize organelles, membrane structures, specialized cells, and fundamental physiological processes to aid exam preparation.

What are the four most abundant chemical elements in human cells?

Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen.

How much of a typical human cell is water?

About 60 %.

State the first principle of the Cell Theory.

The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.

According to Cell Theory, on what do the activities of an organism depend?

The collective activities of its cells.

What does the principle of complementarity state?

Cell function is dictated by cell structure.

Name the three main regions of every human cell.

Nucleus, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane.

Which cell structure serves as the control center and houses DNA?

The nucleus.

List the three regions of the nucleus.

Nuclear envelope, chromatin, and nucleolus.

Which nuclear structure contains genetic material that coils into chromosomes during cell division?

Chromatin.

What is the role of the nucleolus?

It assembles ribosomes.

What model describes the structure of the plasma membrane?

The Fluid Mosaic Model.

In the plasma membrane, which part of the phospholipid is hydrophilic?

The polar head.

What are membrane glycoproteins’ two major roles?

Forming the glycocalyx and acting as cellular “glue.”

Which membrane junction forms leak-proof sheets?

Tight junctions.

Which membrane junction acts like molecular rivets to prevent cells from being pulled apart?

Desmosomes.

What type of junction allows direct communication between adjacent cells?

Gap junctions.

Define cytoplasm.

All cellular material between the nucleus and the plasma membrane.

Name the three components of cytoplasm.

Cytosol, inclusions, and organelles.

Which organelle is called the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondrion.

What high-energy molecule is produced by mitochondria?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Where are ribosomes found?

Free in cytoplasm and attached to rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Which type of endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes?

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).

State two functions of smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

Lipid metabolism and detoxification of drugs/pesticides.

Which organelle modifies and packages proteins from the rough ER?

Golgi apparatus.

Name the three product pathways that emerge from the Golgi apparatus.

Secretory vesicles, in-house proteins/lipids, and lysosomes.

What do lysosomes contain and what is their primary function?

Digestive enzymes that break down worn-out organelles and debris.

Which organelle detoxifies alcohol and neutralizes free radicals?

Peroxisomes.

List the three cytoskeletal elements from largest to smallest according to the notes.

Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules.

What is the role of centrioles during cell division?

They form the mitotic spindle.

Give one example of a cell extension that moves substances across a surface.

Cilia.

Which cell extension propels an entire cell and is found on sperm?

Flagellum.

What is the function of microvilli?

Increase surface area for absorption.

Which cell type secretes cable-like fibers to connect body parts?

Fibroblast.

Name the cell that carries oxygen in the bloodstream.

Erythrocyte (red blood cell).

Which cells are specialized for contraction and movement?

Skeletal and smooth muscle cells.

What type of cell stores large lipid droplets?

Fat cell (adipocyte).

Identify the white blood cell that engulfs infectious microorganisms.

Macrophage.

Which cell gathers information and transmits messages?

Neuron (nerve cell).

What are the male and female cells of reproduction called?

Sperm (male) and oocyte (female).

List any four basic abilities included in cell physiology.

Metabolize, digest food, dispose of wastes, reproduce, grow, move (any four).

Define solvent in the context of solutions.

The substance that does the dissolving; in the body, mainly water.

What term describes fluids within a cell?

Intracellular fluid (nucleoplasm and cytosol).

What term describes the fluid outside cells, also called interstitial fluid?

Extracellular fluid.