Ch 3 - Cells Anatomy Part1 Flashcards
What is the basic unit of living things?
Cell
Performs all functions of life including growth, metabolism, development, reproduction, and carries genetic material.
What are the two main types of cells?
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
Prokaryotes lack a nucleus, while eukaryotes have a distinct nucleus.
Who first examined the structure of cork and named ‘cells’?
Robert Hooke
His work contributed to the development of the cell theory.
What does the cell theory state?
All living organisms are composed of cells and modern cells arise only from pre-existing cells
Developed by Mathias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and expanded by Rudolf Virchow.
What is the typical size range of most animal cells?
10-30μm in diameter
This size is due to the relationship between surface area and volume.
What is the plasma membrane also known as?
Cell membrane
It governs the movement of atoms and molecules in and out of the cell.
What is the structure of the lipid bilayer?
Two layers of phospholipid molecules with hydrophilic heads on the outside and hydrophobic tails on the inside
This arrangement is crucial for the membrane’s function.
What are integral proteins?
Proteins that span the entire width of the cell membrane
They may create channels for other molecules to cross.
What is the glycocalyx?
A ‘sugar coating’ covering the surface of cells
It enhances cell-to-cell adhesion and serves as a biological marker for cell recognition.
What are caveolae?
Small 50-nanometer hollow spaces within the plasma membrane
They function in endocytosis, transcytosis, and contact signaling.
What structures are cilia composed of?
Nine pairs of microtubules encircling a central pair
They occur in large numbers and create waves of motion.
How do flagella differ from cilia?
Flagella are usually longer and move cells through fluid, while cilia are shorter and occur in larger numbers
Flagella propel cells forward by undulating.
What is cytoplasm?
The inner substance of the cell excluding the nucleus
It appears as a nondescript bag of gel with various components.
What is cytosol?
The fluid component of the cell
It contains dissolved electrolytes, amino acids, simple sugars, and proteins.
What role does the cytoskeleton play in the cell?
Provides support and shape, enables movement, and anchors organelles
It serves as a three-dimensional frame for the cell.
