Cell Modification and Junctions (Lesson 6)

A set of practice flashcards covering cell modification/specialization, apical/lateral/basal modifications, cell junctions, and related topics from Lesson 6.

What is cell modification (specialization)?

A process after cell division in which newly formed cells are structurally modified to perform a specific function efficiently.

Name three examples of cell modification mentioned in the notes.

Sperm cell, red blood cell, and nerve cell.

What is apical modification?

Modifications on the apical (top) surface of a cell that aid functions such as secretion, absorption, and locomotion (examples include cilia, flagella, and microvilli).

Where are apical modifications found?

On the apical surface of epithelial tissue (topmost surface).

What are cilia?

Small, hair-like projections on the cell surface that assist in movement of the cell or materials; found in the respiratory tract to move mucus and dust out of the lungs.

What is the function of cilia in the respiratory tract?

To move mucus and dust out of the lungs.

What are flagella?

Long, tail-like structures used for locomotion; commonly found in bacteria and sperm cells.

What are microvilli?

Finger-like projections on the cell surface that increase surface area to enhance absorption of nutrients.

What is lateral modification?

Modifications on the sides of the cell that regulate movement between cells and enable cell-to-cell communication; includes tight junctions, adherens junctions, and gap junctions.

What are tight junctions?

Junctions that seal the gap between adjacent cells, acting as barriers to regulate water and solute movement, located at the apical region of epithelial layers.

What are adherens junctions?

Anchoring junctions on the lateral surface that hold cells tightly together; commonly found in skin and heart tissue.

What are gap junctions?

Communicating junctions that connect cells through channels, allowing ions and small molecules to pass directly between cells.

What is basal modification?

Modifications on the basal (base) surface of the cell, such as hemidesmosomes, which connect to the basement membrane.

What are hemidesmosomes?

Structures that attach epithelial cells to the basement membrane, helping the cell stick to tissue; involve intermediate filaments.

What are pseudopods?

Temporary, irregular lobes that protrude from a cell to engulf particles or other cells (phagocytosis).

What are root hairs?

Hair-like outgrowths on plant root surfaces that increase absorption of water and minerals from the soil.

Which tissue covers and protects body surfaces?

Epithelial tissue.

Which tissue transports food (sugar) in plants?

Phloem.

Which tissue transports water and minerals upward?

Xylem.

Which tissue enables movement of the body?

Muscle tissue.

Which cell modification engulfs particles or other cells?

Pseudopods.

Which option does not belong to the group of cell surface modifications: Cilia, Desmosomes, Flagella, Microvilli?

Desmosomes.

Which structure is not a type of cell junction: Gap junction, Tight junction, Hemidesmosome, Adherens junction?

Hemidesmosome.

Which of the following reflects the change in the structure of cells to perform effectively?

Cell Modification.

Which of the following best describes the short, hair-like structures that move in a wave-like manner?

Cilia and Flagella.