Cell Physiology Flashcards
What does Physiology mean?
the science of the functioning of living organisms
What are the four parts in the cell theory?
- a cell is a basic structure and function
- Activity of an organism depends on the collective activities of its cells
- biochemical activities of cells are dictated by their structure, which determines their function
- Continuity of life has a cellular basis
What four elements are cells composed of?
- Carbon
- Hydrogen (60%)
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
How many cells does the human body have?
50-100 trillion
What sizes can cells range from?
2 micrometers to 1 meter
What are some shapes that cells can take?
cubes, flat, cylindrical, star
What are the three main parts of the cell?
- Nucleus
- Cytoplasm
- Plasma Membrane
What is known about the plasma membrane?
- fragile, transparent barrier
- consists of two phospholipid layers
- “tail to tail” 0= =0
- Cholesterol floats inside of it
- proteins scattered inside form a constantly changing pattern
What are the two specializations of the Plasma Membrane?
- Microvilli
- Microjunctions
what is known about microvilli?
- finger-like
- increases surface area
- Absorption
What are the three subunits of microjunctons?
- Tight Junction
- Desmosomes
- Gap Junction
What is tight junction?
nothing can get past through the tight space of the two cells.
What are desmosomes?
Muscle riveting, interlocked, fused together (ex: skin)
What is Gap Junction?
An opening of spaces between two cells (Ex: Salts, water)
What is known about the Cytoplasm?
- cellular material both outside and inside the nucleus
- site of most cellular activities
- Includes cytosol, inclusions, and organelles
What are the three major parts in the cytoplasm?
- Cytosol
- Inclusions
- Organelles
What is cytosol?
fluid that suspends other elements and contains nutrients and electrolytes
What are inclusions?
chemical substances (stores nutrients or cell products) that float in the cytosol
What are organelles?
Metabolic machinery of the cell that perform functions of the cell
What is known about the Mitochondria?
- Powerhouse of the cell
- Any food you eat is transported to the mitochondria and turned into ATP