B2.3 Cell Specialization Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

State that a zygote is an unspecialized cell produced from fertilization.

A

A zygote is an unspecialized cell produced from fertilization

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Outline the impact of chemical gradients on gene expression within an early-stage embryo.

A

Chemical gradients determine which genes are expressed thus the type of specialized cell

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Outline two properties of stem cells.

A

Unlimited capacity to divide

Can differentiate into specialized cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define stem cell niche.

A

Locations in the body where stem cells can be maintained or promoted to proliferate and differentiate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Outline the location and function of two types of multipotent stem cells in an adult human body.

A

Hematopoietic stem cells : found in bone marrow and can differentiate to all types of blood cells

Epithelial located in hair follicles can self-renew, differentiate, regulate hairgrowth, maintain skin homeostatis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define totipotent, multipotent and pluripotent.

A

Totipotent : stem cells can differentiate into all types of cells or develop to an embryo

Pluripotent : stem cells can differentiate into all cells but not develop into an embryo

Multipotent : stem cells can differentiate into a limited range of cells. Adult stem cells are multipotent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

List an example of a totipotent, multipotent and pluripotent stem cell.

A

Totipotent : zygote

Pluripotent : Inner mass cells

Multipotent : Immune system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Explain why pluripotent stem cells are most prevalent in the early embryonic development of a multicellular organism.

A

Because they have the potential to differentiate into any cell type

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Relate the relative cell size to the specialized function of sperm, egg, red blood cell, white blood cell, neuron and striated muscle fibers.

A

Sperm length 50 to 70 µm width 2 to 3 µm adapted to reduce resistance

Ova diameter 100 µm store all the materials and nutritional reserves

Neurons width 4-100µm and up to 1m in length small diameter to densely pack information

Red blood cells diameter 6-8 µm allows them to move through cappilaries

White blood cells range from 6 to 20 µm increase in size during infection

Striated muscle fibers lenght 4mm -3cm diameter 10-100 µm greater length of contraction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Outline the activities occurring in the volume and at the surface of the cell.

A

Volume: Metabolic processes, protein synthesis, intracellular transport, cellular respiration.

Surface: Cell signaling, receptor-ligand interactions, nutrient uptake, waste elimination, cell adhesion, communication with neighboring cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Calculate the surface area, volume and SA:V ratio of a cube.

A

surface area 6a *a^2

Volume a^3

SA/V = 6/a

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Explain the benefits and limitations of using cubes to model the surface area and volume of a cell.

A

Benefits
Simplicity
Proportional Scaling

Limitations
Irregular shape of Cells
Organelles and membrane folding
Functional considerations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the relationship between cell size and the SA:V ratio of the cell.

A

The bigger the cell the lower the Surface Area to volume ratio.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Explain why cells are often limited in size by the SA:V ratio.

A

Because if cells are too big their metabolism increases faster than it’s ability to transfer materials in and out of the cell

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

List two examples of cells that are specialized for exchange of materials and have adaptations to increase the SA:V ratio.

A

Ethrocytes

Proximal convoluted tubule

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Define “alveolar epithelium.”

A

an example of tissue where more than one cell type is present because multiple adaptations are required for that tissue to function

16
Q

List three adaptations of cells thatmaximize the SA: volume ratio.

A

(blood cells) A biconcave shape to increase surface area
(Proximal Convoluted tubule) Microvili to increse the rate of absorption
Folded membranes

17
Q

Outline the structure and function of type I pneumocytes.

A

Long and extremely flat to adapt for gas exchange

18
Q

Outline the structure and function of type II pneumocytes.

A

Cuboid shaped cells with secretory vesicles to release the surfactant by exocytosis

19
Q

Describe two functions of the fluid secreted by type II pneumocytes.

A

reduces surface tension in the alveoli and provides liquid for rapid diffusion of gases

20
Q

List three types of muscle tissue found in the human body.

A

Cardiac Muscle

Striated Muscle

Smooth Muscle

21
Q

Outline the relationship between skeletal muscles, muscle fibre cells and myofibrils.

A

Skeletal muscles are composed of muscle fiber cells, which in turn contain myofibrils responsible for muscle contraction.

22
Q

Compare and contrast cardiac muscle tissue and skeletal muscle tissue.

A

Striated muscle : attached to the skeleton and is involved in the movement of bones

Cardiac muscle : located in the heart and responsible for the continued beating of the heart

Both contain contractile myofibrils

23
Q

Describe how the Y-shape, intercalated discs and gap junctions of cardiac muscle cells allow for propagation of the stimulus to contract.

A

They allow rapid transmissions of electrical impulses which trigger contraction of the cardiac muscle cells

24
Q

State the function of gamete cells.

A

To reproduce

25
Q

Compare the size, and motility of egg and sperm cells.

A

Sperm : streamlined shape, adapted to swimming, contain 3 sections , a head, a midpiece and a flagellum

Eggs (Ova) : large cells with protective layers and low mobility

26
Q

State the function of each of the following egg structures: haploid nucleus, binding proteins, zona pellucida, cortical granules, yolk, mitochondria and centrioles.

A

Haploid nucleus : has the maternal genetic information which will be combined with the male genetic informationat fertilization

Binding proteins : assists in sperm-egg recognition and binding during fertilization

Zona pellucida : prevents polyspermy after fertilization

Cortical granules : make the zona pellucida impenetrable to sperm after fertilization

Yolk : provides nutrients for early embryonic development

Mitochondria : provides energy for cellular processes (fertilization, embryonic development, cell division)

Centrioles: Organize the spindle fibers during cell division and are involved in the formation of the mitotic spindle.

27
Q
A