Cell Biology Review

Cell Structure and Function

  • Nucleus

    • Stores genetic information.

  • Red Blood Cells

    • Do not contain a nucleus.

  • Nucleolus

    • Function: Produces ribosomes.

  • Ribosomes

    • Function: Responsible for protein synthesis (making proteins).

  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

    • Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
    • Function: Synthesizes proteins.
    • Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
    • Function: Synthesizes lipids (fats).

  • Golgi Apparatus

    • Function: Acts as a factory to make carbohydrates and distributes them to cells that need them.
    • Processes: Proteins, carbohydrates, fats.

  • Mitochondria

    • Function: Produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell.

  • Lysosome

    • Description: A vesicle filled with powerful acids that aid in digestion and waste removal, providing protection to the cell.

  • Centrioles

    • Role: Important for cell division, specifically in a process known as mitosis.

Types of Tissues in the Body

  • Four Main Types of Tissues

    1. Epithelium Tissue
    2. Connective Tissue
    3. Muscle Tissue
    4. Nervous Tissue

  • Classifications of Epithelium

    • Can be classified in two ways:
    1. Shape of the cells
    2. Number of layers

  • Shapes of Epithelial Cells

    • Squamous
    • Description: Flattened cells.
    • Cuboidal
    • Example: Simple cuboidal found in the kidney and liver.
    • Columnar
    • Function: Push materials along the membrane.

  • Layers of Epithelial Tissue

    • Simple
    • One layer (e.g. found inside blood vessels).
    • Stratified
    • More than one layer (e.g. stratified cuboidal found in sweat glands).

  • Special Features of Epithelial Cells

    • Cilia: Tiny hair-like structures that aid in movement along the surface.
    • Goblet Cells: Specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus.