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Human Anatomy & Physiology > Biology of the Cell (Exam 2) > Flashcards

Biology of the Cell (Exam 2) Flashcards

1
Q

Difference between sex cells and somatic cells

A

Sex cells: reproductive cells, male sperm cells, and female oocytes (eggs or ova/ovum)
Somatic cells: all body cells except sex cells

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2
Q

What components would be found in the cytoplasm?

A
  1. Cytosol as known as Intracellular Fluid (ICF)
  2. Organelles (Nucleus, ribosomes, rough ER, smooth ER, Golgi complex, lysosomes, mitochondria, peroxisomes, centrosomes with centrioles, cytoskeleton Surface modifications: cilia, microvilli, flagella)
  3. Inclusions (chemical substances that vary in composition)
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3
Q

Describe the intracellular and extracellular environments with respect to the ICF and ECF. Which ion is found predominantly in the ICF? ECF?

A
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4
Q

Which organelles are non-membranous?

A

cytoskeleton, centrioles, ribosomes, and surface modifications

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5
Q

Which organelles are membranous?

A

Membranous: endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, and mitochondria

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6
Q

Why is the nucleus considered to be the “control center” for the cell?

A

Directs the synthesis of proteins from DNA → control the structure and function of the cell

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7
Q

Describe nuclear pores

A

Allows for communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm & passage of substances such as proteins, RNA, etc.

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8
Q

Describe nuclear envelope

A

Formed by a double membrane that separates nucleoplasm from cytoplasm

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9
Q

Describe nucleoplasm

A
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10
Q

Chromosomes

A

Tightly coiled DNA

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11
Q

Chromatin

A

Loosely coiled DNA

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12
Q

What is the function of the nucleolus?

A

Synthesizes ribosomes and RNA for proteins synthesis

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13
Q

Where are fixed ribosomes specifically found within the cell?

A
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14
Q

Free ribosomes

A

Makes proteins for use within the cell. Found in cytosol

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15
Q

Fixed ribosomes.

A

Makes proteins that become part of the plasma membrane or are exported from the cell. Bound ribosomes that are attached to the rough ER

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16
Q

What is the function of a ribosome?

A

Protein synthesis

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17
Q

Describe the three steps for transcription

A
  1. Initiation
    • DNA is unwound by enzymes into 2 strands
      • template strand will be copied
      • coding strand will not be copied
      • Nitrogenous bases are exposed
      • RNA polymerase will look for the promotor
        region
  2. Elongation
    * RNA polymerase will pair ribonucleotides (free in
    the nucleoplasm) to form complementary bases
    in order to make a strand of RNA
    • RNA polymerase will continue forming RNA
      strands throughout the length of the gene
  3. Termination
    • RNA polymerase will stop at the terminal region
      and detach from DNA
    • DNA will rewind into double-helix
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18
Q

Describe the three steps for translation

A
  1. Initiation
    * ribosome, mRNA, and tRNA form a complex
    * Ribosome will find start codon (AUG)
    * tRNA reads the first codon and adds the first
    amino acid → always methionine (may be
    removed later)
  2. Elongation
    • New tRNA arrives at A site carrying the next
      amino acid
    • Peptide bond forms between amino acids
    • Peptide bond forms between amino acids
    • First tRNA leaves
    • Second tRNA now in P site → waits for the next
      tRNA to arrive
    • Process repeats
  3. Termination
    • Stop codon enters A site
    • Release factors enter ribosomes → newly made
      protein is released from the ribosome
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19
Q

Where does transcription take place? Translation?

A

Transcription: nucleus
Translation: cytoplasm

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20
Q

How many nucleotides are found in a typical gene?

A

3000 nucleotide pairs

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21
Q

Where does transcription begin within a gene? Where does it end?

A
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22
Q

Which DNA strand is “copied”?

A
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23
Q

Define mRNA. What is the function?

A

Messenger RNA
Funneled into ribosomes

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24
Q

Define tRNA. What is the function?

A

Transfer RNA
Functions as an “adapter” to bring amino acids to corresponding parts of mRNA

25
Define rRNA. What is the function?
Is embedded within ribosomes and has 3 important sites: A site: amino acids added P site: holds the growing protein E site: where tRNA exits the ribosome
26
The start codon for translation is always. This codes for which specific amino acid?
AUG Methionine
27
How many nucleotides are required to code for an amino acid?
3
28
Describe the three sites that are part of a ribosome. Include the functions/activities that will occur for each site.
A site: amino acids added P site: holds the growing protein E site: where tRNA exits the ribosome
29
RER function, appearance, and location within a cell
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Function: Receives newly synthesized proteins from ribosomes. Modifies proteins and packages them into transport vesicles → moves to Golgi apparatus Appearance: ribosomes on the surface and sac-like Location: near the nucleus
30
SER function, appearance, and location within the cell.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum Function: Synthesis, transport, and storage of lipids, including steroid hormones. Metabolism of carbohydrates. Detoxification of drugs, alcohol, and poisons Appearance: No ribosomes and tube-like Location: Near RER
31
Describe the structural anatomy and function of the Golgi apparatus.
Structural anatomy: Membrane-bound consists of stacked cisternae Function: Receives transport vesicle from RER → packages them for transport
32
Function of peroxisomes
Uses oxygen and other enzymes to detoxify harmful molecules
33
Function of lysosomes
1. Contain enzymes used to digest and remove waste products and damaged organelles (autophagy) 2. Can release enzymes to digest the cell (autolysis)
34
Define the terms autolysis and autophagy.
35
What is the function of mitochondria?
Produce ATP for cellular energy
36
What is the equation for aerobic cellular respiration?
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
37
What are the three components of the cytoskeleton? Describe each component in terms of size, composition, and function(s).
Microfilaments Size: Smallest: 7nm in diameter Function/Composition: Composed of actin proteins that maintain and change cell shape Intermediate filaments Size: 8-12 nm in diameter Function/Composition: Protein composition will vary → provide structural support and stabilize junctions between cells Microtubules (largest) Size: 25nm in diameter Function/Composition: Composed of tubulin protein→ many functions Fix organelles in place but also a direct movement of organelles in the cell Maintain cell shape and rigidity Allow cell motility (flagella) Provide current for ECF movement (cilia
38
Describe the function of centrioles
Causes chromosome migration during cell division → directs formation of mitotic spindle
39
Describe the function of centrosomes
Nonmembrane -bound Contains pair of centrioles & microtubules
40
Describe the function of cilia
Moves objects in ECF
41
Describe the function of microvilli
Folds of plasma membrane that increases surface area
42
Describe the function of flagella
Provides mobility to the sperm cell
43
Describe at least 3 general functions of the plasma membrane.
Physical barrier: protect cellular contents and supports cell structure Selectively permeable (semipermeable) barrier regulating the passage of gases, nutrients, wastes, others Communication and response: contains receptors that recognize and respond to molecular signals (chemical messengers) Electrochemical gradients: establishes and maintains gradients for electrical charge and chemicals
44
What is the composition and arrangement of the plasma membrane?
Composition: ~50% lipids, ~50% proteins
45
Define the terms integral proteins as it pertains to the plasma membrane.
Most span the entire membrane
46
Define the term and peripheral proteins as it pertains to the plasma membrane
Most attached to one membrane surface
47
Describe at least 4 functions for membrane proteins.
48
Active transport
49
Passive transport.
50
Define and give an example of simple diffusion
51
Define and give an example of facilitated channel-mediated transport
52
Define and give an example of facilitated carrier-meditated transport
53
Define and give an example of primary active transport
54
Define pseudopodia
55
Describe two functions of exocytosis.
Transports membrane-impermeable molecules such as protein hormones out of the cell Replaces portions of the cell membrane that were lost due to endocytosis
56
Define apoptosis
Programmed cell death
57
Define necrosis
Irreversible damage occurs via harmful agents or mechanical damage
58
What is cell theory?
Cells are the building blocks of all organismal life. Cells are the smallest units that perform all vital physiological functions Each cell maintains homeostasis at the cellular level
59
How many cells are in the human body? How many different specific types?
Over 75 trillion cells. ~200 different specific types

Human Anatomy & Physiology (4 decks)

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