Chapter 6 Flashcards
What is the basic unit of life?
Cell
Cells are the fundamental units that carry out essential functions within living organisms.
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells with an unknown type that can mature into specialized cells
Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types.
What are differentiated cells?
Somatic and reproductive cells that have a predetermined task
These cells are specialized for specific functions such as growth and repair.
What are some functions of specialized cells?
Growth, movement, protection, regulation, reproduction, repair of damaged tissue
Specialized cells perform specific roles essential for the organism’s survival.
What do cells help maintain?
Homeostasis
Homeostasis refers to the stable internal conditions necessary for life.
What is the risk for cells exposed to ionizing radiation?
Damage to DNA or organelles leading to mutation or cell death
Ionizing radiation can cause significant harm to cellular structures.
When is the most radiosensitive time for cells?
During mitosis (cell division)
Cells are particularly vulnerable to radiation damage during the process of division.
What is protoplasm?
The building material for living cells
Protoplasm includes all the contents within a cell membrane.
What occurs during cellular metabolism?
Chemical processes essential for life
Metabolism involves the conversion of nutrients into energy and cellular components.
What are the major organic compounds in protoplasm?
- Proteins (15%)
- Lipids (2%)
- Carbohydrates (1%)
- Nucleic acids (1%)
These compounds are vital for cellular structure and function.
What percentage of protoplasm is water?
80 - 85%
Water is considered an inorganic component of protoplasm.
What are proteins in the context of cell content?
Elementary building blocks for cells, comprising 15% of cell content
Proteins are essential for growth, tissue construction, and repair.
What is the role of proteins in the body?
Essential in growth, construction of new body tissue, repairing injured tissue
Proteins are formed by long chains of amino acids.
What is protein synthesis?
Involves 22 different amino acids
Protein synthesis is the process of producing proteins from amino acids.
What are the two types of proteins mentioned?
- Structural
- Enzymatic
- Repair enzymes
- Hormones
- Antibodies
Each type of protein serves distinct functions in the body.
What are structural proteins responsible for?
Found in muscles, give shape to the body, produce heat energy
Structural proteins provide support and shape to cells and tissues.
What is the function of enzymatic proteins?
Active in metabolism, serve as catalysts to chemical reactions
Enzymatic proteins speed up processes such as digestion.
What do repair enzymes do?
Mend damaged tissues and cell structures
Repair enzymes can also repair DNA and chromosome breakage.
What are hormones?
Chemicals released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream to regulate body functions
Hormones play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis.
What are antibodies?
Chemicals our body makes to attack pathogens
Antibodies are a crucial part of the immune response.
What percentage of cell content do carbohydrates make up?
1%
What are carbohydrates made up of?
Starches and various sugars
What is the primary source of energy for a cell?
Glucose
