Chapter 1 Flashcards
Cytoplasm
Is a colloidal internal fluid environment that contains water, ions, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids
Nucleus
Is the mastermind of the cell; contains genetic material (DNA) that regulates cellular activity
Cellular Edema
When a disease alters the plasma membranes configuration, excess fluid can enter the cells internal environment causing swelling
Cellular Dehydration
When intracellular fluid leaks out of the cell through the pores causing the cell to shrink
Glycoproteins
Found on the plasma membranes outer surface; are cell protein molecules; are surface markers AKA antigens
Example: A RBC contains glycoprotein surface markers that identifies the individuals blood type A,B,O or AB
Sodium-Potassium (Na+/K+) pump
Uses energy to actively transport sodium (3 ions) out of the cell and bring potassium (2 ions) into the cell. The pump is located in the plasma membrane of all cells.
Mitochondria
Cell’s energy producers. It’s primary function is to convert organic nutrients into cell energy in the form of ATP.
Cell types differ in their number of mitochondria according to their energy needs.
Aerobic Metabolism
A process to convert organic nutrients into ATP that requires oxygen. Provides the maximum amount of energy for cellular function: a net yield of 34 ATP.
Anaerobic Metbolism
AKA glycolysis; occurs outside the mitochondria and glucose is used to create energy. Produces significantly less energy: net yield of 2 ATP and purification acid.
Lysosomes
Are small, membrane-enclosed organelles with an internal environment that is more acidic than the rest of the cell. Contains digestive enzymes such as lysozyme, proteases, and lipase that degrade ingested foreign substances and cellular debris.
Autolysis
A process in which lysosomes releases digestive enzymes to destroy the cell parts when a cell dies.
Macrophages
Major defensive WBCs of the body; they engulf and I fear foreign substance that invade the body.
Heterolysis
The process in which lysosomes are used to digest foreign matter infested by a macrophage.
Proteasomes
Enzymatically degrade polypeptide chains and proteins
Peroxisomes
Break down long-chain fatty acids and free radicals
Adrenoleukodystrophy
Is a disorder of dysfunctional peroxisomes in which long-chain fatty acids accumulate in the nervous systems. Over time causes the deterioration of the nervous system eventually leading to dementia, paralysis and death.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Network of tubules within the cell that act as a transport system. Two main types: Smooth and rough
Smooth ER
Is the location for lipid production which includes corticosteroids, oils and phospholipids.
Rough ER
Is a tubular network with attached ribosomes that synthesize proteins
Ribosomes
Are small, spherical organelles composed of ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA). Can be likened to cellular “protein factories”
Golgi Apparatus
Processes, packages and secretes proteins that are transported via the ER.
Example: the formation of hormones. Preprohormone is the initial protein manufactured by ribosomes and contains a signal peptide that directs its transfer to the ER. During the transfer to the ER, the signal peptide is removed and is now referred as a prohormone. From here the prohormone is transferred to the Golgi apparatus for further processing to convert it to an actual hormone.
Microtubules
Are hollow filaments composed of protein subunits called tubular. They comprise structures involved in cell division such as centrioles and motorized spindle.
Microfilaments
Are solid, flexible, fibers, sometimes referred to as actin filaments. They help the cell change shape and seen in the amoeboid movements of macrophages and contraction of muscles.
Nucleus
The cells master mind. Contains the body’s genetic material, DNA, which regulates all cell structure and function.
Purine bases
Consisting of adenine and guanine
Pyrimidine bases
Consisting of Thymine and cytosine
Transcription
Occurs in the nucleus. Starts with the two strands of the helical DNA structure uncoil and separate. One strand acts as a template for the synthesis of RNA.
In RNA thymine Is replaced by Uracil
Translation
Occurs in the ribosomes. Ribosomes interpret the message from mRNA in order to manufacture proteins.
tRNA gathers and joins the exact amino acids that will form the protein designated by mRNA.
rRNA is mainly involved in the formation of the ribosome itself.
