Cell Structure & Function Flashcards
What is cell theory? Three points.
1)Cells all the building blocks of life. 2)All cells come from the division of pre-existing cells. 3)Cells are the smallest units that perform all vital physiological functions.
What can happen if normal cellular functions get disrupted?
Can cause diseases!
What are the five core functions of human cells?
1) cell division
2) DNA replication and protein synthesis
3) cellular respiration
4) cell migration
5) cellular transport
What six cellular functions happen at the plasma membrane?
1) Transport of substances
2) Communication
3) Recognition
4) Enzymatic reactions
5) Cell junctions
6) Cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion
Where are transport proteins and what is the basic function?
In the plasma membrane and they control what moves in an out of the cell.
What are the two classes of transport proteins and what do they do?
Channel proteins allow substances to move down the concentration gradient from an area of high concentration to low concentration. Carrier proteins require ATP to perform active transport.
What is the difference between simple and facilitated diffusion?
Facilitated diffusion needs a transport protein because the substance is too big to travel through the semi permeable membrane by itself. Whereas in simple diffusion the substance is small enough to move through the semi permeable membrane by itself.
What is cell signalling?
Ligands (which carry information) bind to receptors on the plasma membrane, which cause the receptors to be activated.
What is recognition?
A cellular function where immune cells have pattern recognition receptors, on the plasma membrane, so that they are able to recognise different pathogens.
What is an enzymatic reaction?
A cellular function where the plasma membrane of intestinal cells have different enzymes to breakdown different macro molecules, so that they can be broken down into smaller units before they can enter the intestinal cells.
What are cell junctions?
Proteins called cell adhesion molecules (CAM)s tightly link different cells together to form a sheet that acts as a barrier.
What is extracellular matrix (ECM)?
The scaffolding surrounding the cells.
What is cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion?
Proteins called cell matrix receptors are attached to the cytoskeleton inside the cell, then they go through the cell membrane and bind to the ECM. This keeps the cell stable / anchored.
