Cell Biology Flashcards
Physiology
The study of the function of anatomical structures
Levels of Organisation: Chemical
Atoms combine to form molecules - determines function
Levels of Organisation: Cellular
Molecules interact to form organelles
Levels of Organisation: Tissue
A group of cells working together to perform one or more specific functions
Levels of Organisation: Organ
Organs consist of two or more tissues working in combination to perform several functions
Levels of Organisation: Organ System
Groups of organs interacting to perform a particular function forms an organ system
Levels of Organisation: Organism Level
All organ systems of the body must work together to maintain the life and health of the organism
Homeostasis
- Tendency toward internal balance
- All body systems working together to maintain a stable internal environment
Homeostatic Regulation
Adjustment of physiological systems to preserve homeostasis
Homeostatic Regulation: Autoregulation (Intrinsic)
Automatic response in a cell, tissue, or organ to some environmental change
Homeostatic Regulation: Extrinsic Regulation
Responses controlled by nervous and endocrine systems
Nervous System Characteristics
Rapid, short-term and very specific responses
Endocrine System Characteristics
Releases hormones (chemical messengers) which affect tissue and organs. Slow, long-term
Three components required for homeostatis
Receptor: Receives the stimulus
Control Centre: Processes the signal and sends instructions
Effector: Carries out instructions
Negative Feedback
- A stimulus produces a response that opposes or negates the original stimulus
- Provides long-term control over the body’s internal conditions and systems
- Corrective mechanism involving an action that directly opposes a variation from normal limits
Positive Feedback
- An initial stimulus produces a response that exaggerates or enhances the change in the original conditions creating a positive feedback loop
Cell Theory
- Cells are the building blocks of all plants and animals
- All cells come from the division of preexisting cells
- Cells are the smallest units that perform all vital physiological functions
- Each cell maintains homeostasis at the cellular level
Cytology
The study of cellular structure and function
Sex cells
Sperm and oocytes
Somatic cells
All other cells except sex cells
Plasma membrane
- Outer boundary of the cell
Functions of Plasma membrane
Physical Isolation: Separates inside of cell from the surrounding extracellular fluid
Regulation of Exchange: controls entry of ions and nutrients, elimination of wastes and the release of secretions
Sensitivity to Environment: First part of cell affected by changes in composition, concentration or pH of the extracellular fluid
Structural Support: Specialised connections between plasma membranes, or between membranes and extracellular materials, gives tissues stability
Membrane Lipids
- Phospholipid bilayer: hydrophilic tail, hydrophobic head
Membrane Proteins: Integral Proteins
Part of membrane structure, cannot be removed without damaging or destroying the membrane
Membrane Proteins: Peripheral proteins
Bound to the inner or outer surface of the membrane
Membrane Proteins; Functional Proteins: Anchoring Proteins
Attach plasma membrane to other structures and stabilise its position
Membrane Proteins; Functional Proteins: Recognition Proteins
Cells of the immune system recognise other cells as normal or abnormal based on the presence or absence of recognition proteins
Membrane Proteins; Functional Proteins: Enzymes
May be integral or peripheral proteins. Catalyse reactions in extracellular fluid or in the cytosol
Membrane Proteins; Functional Proteins: Receptor Proteins
Sensitive to the presence of ligands. Extracellular ligand will bind to complementary receptor which may change activity of cell
Membrane Proteins; Functional Proteins: Carrier Proteins
Bind solutes and transport them across cell membrane. May require ATP
Membrane Proteins; Functional Proteins: Channels
Some integral proteins contain a channel that forms a passageway completely across the plasma membrane
Membrane Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrate portion of molecules such as proteoglycans, glycoproteins and glycolipids, extend beyond the outer surface of membrane, forming a layer known as the glycocalyx
Glycocalyx Functions
- Lubrication and Protection
- Anchoring and locomotion
- Specificity in binding
- Recognition
Cytoplasm
- Material located between the plasma membrane and the nuclear membrane
- Contains cytosol and organelles
Cytosol
- Contains dissolved nutrients, ions, soluble and insoluble proteins, and waste products
Cytoskeleton
- Provides structural framework for a cell
- Movement of cellular structures and materials