Cell Study Guide Notes
1. Basic principles of cell theory
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.
All cells arise from pre-existing cells through cellular division (biogenesis).
Heredity information (DNA) is stored within the cell and passes to daughter cells during division.
2. What it means for a cell to be squamous, stellate, columnar or fusiform
3. Define intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid
4. How the structure of the plasma membrane depends on the amphiphilic nature of phospholipids
Phospholipids are amphiphilic: hydrophilic (polar) heads and hydrophobic (nonpolar) tails.
This bilayer creates fluidity and a selective barrier that regulates ion and molecule passage.
5. Receptor, pump, and cell-adhesion molecule: definitions and roles
6. How a gate differs from other channel proteins
Ion channels are pore-forming proteins that allow selective ion passage down a gradient.
Gate control enables rapid, regulated changes in membrane potential and ion flux.
7. Glycocalyx: importance to human survival
8. Microvilli vs cilia: structure and function
9. What it means to say a solute moves down its concentration gradient
Passive process: no cellular energy (ATP) required; occurs via random molecular motion.
Governs simple diffusion and facilitated diffusion (when a membrane protein assists the process).
10. How does osmosis work to maintain blood volume
Osmosis contributes to maintaining blood volume by adjusting water content in the blood and tissues.
11. Define hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic and explain why these concepts are important in clinical practice
12. What facilitated diffusion and active transport have in common; how they differ
13. How the sodium-potassium pump exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions across the membrane; purposes served by this pump
14. How phagocytosis differs from pinocytosis
15. Distinguish between organelles and inclusions. Give two examples of each
16. What three organelles are involved in protein synthesis?
17. In what ways do the smooth and rough ER differ?
18. Be able to match the following structures and organelles of human cells to their specific functions
c) Flagella — Propels the cell itself via whip-like motion (e.g., sperm tail).
d) Microvilli — Increase surface area for absorption and secretion (e.g., intestinal epithelium).
e) Nucleus — Stores genetic material (DNA); coordinates cellular activities via transcription.
f) Nucleolus — Site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis and ribosome assembly.
h) Ribosomes — Site of protein synthesis; translate mRNA into polypeptides.
o) Intermediate filament — Structural support and mechanical strength; maintains cell shape.