Cell Pathology Flashcards
Molecular Pathology
a science that encompasses all living phenomena and provide explanations for pathologic processes at the level of the molecules, atoms, and their elementary particles
in a resting cell, how are the essential components of the cell arranged?
components are arranged into aggregates chromatin
-a specialized organelle composed primarily of RNA known as the nucleolus
in dividing cells, how are the essential components of the cell arranged?
during mitosis - chromatin is restructured and the strands of DNA condense into chromosomes
what is an undiferentiated cell?
embryonic cells- not specialized yet
what does differential expression of genes allow to a cell?
to assume unique features and to perform specialized functions
describe protein synthesis
The genetic information encoded in the DNA is transcribed into the nuclear RNA
From the nuclear RNA, the message is transmitted by tRNA and mRNA into the cytoplasm
The ribosomal RNA (rRNA) serves as a template for translating the genetic messages into proteins
all human cells except these need a nucleus for survival
red blood cells and platelets
what is the nucleocytoplasmic (N:C) ratio
The ratio of the nucleus to the cytoplasm,
where is the N;C high
in undifferentiated embryonic cells, also in tumors - there is less cytoplasm and less organells
where is the N:C low
in differentiated cells of adult tissues- cytoplasm is more abundant and full of organelles
The cytoplasmic ground substance of all cells consists of an amorphous matrix called
hyaloplasm and a fibrillar meshwork called cytoskeleton
which is organelle is high in oxidative enzymes
mitochondria
what are small granules composed of RNA
ribosomes
ribosomes can be arranged into
aggregates that float freely in the cytoplasm, called polysomes or free ribosomes (make internal purpose)
attached to the membranes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) (to be delivered out of the cell
what is is endoplasmic reticulum
A meshwork of membranes that are in continuity with the outer plasma membranes on one side and the nuclear membrane on the other
what are the two form of the endoplasmic reticulum
rough: the site of protein synthesis
smooth: has complex functions, the most important of which are the catabolism (i.e., metabolic degradation) of drugs, hormones, and various nutrients, and the synthesis of steroid hormones
what is the golgi apparatus
proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum pass through the Golgi apparatus - are biochemically modified before being packaged into secretory granules or lysosomes
- Glycoprotein and lipoproteins (i.e., proteins linked to a carbohydrate or lipid) are formed in the Golgi apparatus
where do you find acid hydrolase
lysosomes: are digestive enzymes - active in an acidic milieu (i.e., at low pH levels)
what are secondary lysosomes
The primary lysosomes fuse with other cytoplasmic vesicles
what are heterophagosomes
2ndary lysosomes
Hyaloplasm
The ground substance of the cytoplasm: no distinct structure and appears as an “empty” space on electron microscopic studies
Biochemically, consists predominantly of water, but it also contains minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids
It is traversed by a network of filaments that form the cytoskeleton
what are the three filaments of the cytoskeleton
microfilaments, composed of actin and myosin (5 nm in diameter)
microtubules, which are 22 nm thick and composed of tubulin
intermediate filaments, named because their diameter (10 nm) is intermediate between that of microfilaments and microtubules
what is the plasma membrane made of
proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that are arranged in a polarized complex bilayer that has an internal and external surface
at which level does the simplest form of integration occur
the single cell, example t lymphocytes
what is autocrine stimulation
T lymphocytes secrete interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine, which serves as lymphocytes’ and some other cells’ own growth factor
what is paracrine stimulation
release of mediators from one cell and their uptake by another. this is done by hormonal signals for more complex integration- one cell to another
what is biogenic amines
mediates paracrine stimulation ex: epinephrine, neuropepride hormones (glucagon,gastrin)
what is endocrine stimulation
hormones released into the blood circulation: for higher intergration because it travels to several organs ex. insulin