A&P 2.1 - The Cell & Tissue Flashcards
Describe the cell
- basic structural & functional unit of all living organisms
- Can vary greatly in structure
- Human body is composed of trillions of cells constantly renegerating and replacing
- The main function of almost all is to produce protein
- Bathed in interstitial fluid
- Generalized was discovered around ~1600A.D.
3 Basic Parts of the General Cell
List the 3 basic parts of a generazlied cell
- Nucleus
- Plasma membrane
- Cytoplasm
3 Basic Parts of the General Cell
Describe the nucleus
- takes on the shape of the cell
- some cells have more than one
- contains DNA
- typically in the center of the cell, but can be anywhere
Describe DNA
the genetic blueprint & instruction manual for protein synthesis
3 Basic Parts of the General Cell
Describe the plasma membrane
- the thin, outer barrier allowing the cell to communicate with the outer environment
- selectively permeable
- creates intra/extracellular environments
3 Basic Parts of the General Cell
Describe the structure of the plasma membrane
- made of phospholipids (compound lipids) which contain fat, protein and cholesterol
** cholesterol allows plasma membrane to be flexible and therefore support integrity of phospholipids - sugar molecules can stick to outside of plasma membrane
**allow cell to stick to other things it passes in order to interact with environment and “sample” things
Describe interstitial fluid
- Diluted saltwater solution that all cells are suspended in
- Contains vital nutrients
- Allows cell to interact with this environment (draw water in or out)
- Allows removal of waste
- Contains enzymes
Structure of the Plasma Membrane
Describe lipids
- fats
- have head & tail arrangement in double “bi” layer
- head = hydrophilic
- tail = hydrophobic
Structure of the Plasma Membrane
Proteins
- scattered throughout the plasma membrane
- can change shape to be receptor sides, passageways or actively carry material across the membrane
List the functions of the plasma membrane
- membrane transport
- maintenance of an electrical gradient
- interaction with the outside environment
Functions of Plasma Membrane
Describe membrane transport and list its types
- When material is passed through the membrane
- Passive and active
Functions of Plasma Membrane
Define passive transport
the passing of material through the plasma membrane without the use of energy from cell
Functions of Plasma Membrane
Define active transport
passing of material through the plasma membrane requiring energy from the cell
Functions of Plasma Membrane
List the types of passive transport
- Diffusion
- Osmosis
Functions of Plasma Membrane - Passive Transport
Describe diffusion
Material moving across plasma membrane by following the concentration gradient from high to low