Histology Flashcards
Composition of a cell
Water, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and inorganic material
Common features of eukaryotic cells
Membrane, cytosol, cytoskeleton, organelles, inclusions
What is the cytosol?
A solution of proteins, electrolytes and carbohydrates which has fluid and gel-like properties
What is the plasmalemma?
The bimolecular layer of amphipathic phospholipid molecules which surrounds a cell
Examples of integral proteins
Receptors, channels, transporters, enzymes and cell attachment proteins
What can be found in the plasmalemma?
Integral proteins, peripheral proteins and cholesterol
What is the function of the nucleus?
Contains chromosomes and is the location of RNA synthesis
Where is mRNA transcribed?
Nucleus
Where is tRNA transcribed?
Nucleus
Where is rRNA transcribed?
Nucleolus
What is euchromatin?
Dispersed chromosome material actively undergoing transcription
What is heterochromatin?
Condensed chromosome material not actively undergoing transcription
What is the Golgi apparatus?
A group of flattened membrane-bound cistern arranged in sub-compartments
What are the functions of the Golgi apparatus? (3)
- Adds sugars
- Cleaves some proteins
- Sorts macromolecules into vesicles
Describe the nuclear membrane
Has an inner and outer membrane with nuclear pores and a perinuclear cistern in between
Describe the mitochondrial membrane
Has an inner and outer membrane, inner membrane (Cristae) gives large internal surface area due to extensive folding
What are the functions of the mitochondria?
Generation of ATP and synthesis of certain lipids and proteins
Types of cellular transport
- Diffusion
- Transport proteins
- Vesicular transport
Describe endocytosis
Cell membrane invaginate, fuses endocytotic vesicle buds into the cell, receptor mediated
Describe phagocytosis
(for bacteria/larger particulate material) bacteria binds to cell surface receptors triggering extensions of the cell to engulf it forming a phagosome, which binds to lysosome = phagolysosome
What is the average size of a red blood cell?
6 microns
What are inclusions?
Something synthesised by the cell itself or taken up from the extracellular environment in an endocytotic vessel, dispensable and may be present only in transients
Describe microfilaments
Composed of actin, can assemble into filaments and later dissociate making them very dynamic, usually accumulate under the cell membrane
Describe intermediate filaments
Composed of six main proteins which vary depending on cell type and are used in pathology to determine tumour origin, more than 50 types of the main proteins, bind intracellular elements together and to the plasmalemma
Describe microtubules
Hollow tubules composed of alternating alpha and beta tubular subunits, can be assembled and disassembled, originate from MTOC or centrosome, include stabilising proteins, motorway network of the cell, dynein and kinesin are ATPases that move along them, important in cell division and movement
Place microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments in descending order of size.
- Microtubules, 25nm
- Intermediate filaments, 10nm
- Microfilaments, 7nm
What is contained within the MTOC?
A pair of centrioles composed mainly of specialised microtubule segments
Describe ribosomes
Formed in nucleolus, important in protein synthesis, small subunit (binds to RNA) and large subunit (catalyses the formation of peptide bonds), export depends on nuclear pore complex
What is the endoplasmic reticulum?
A net-like structure which forms an interconnected network of flattened membrane-bound compartments and is continuous with the nuclear membrane
Describe the RER
Studded with ribosomes, plays a vital role in synthesis of proteins, abundant in cells with high metabolic activity, initiates glycoprotein formation
Describe the SER
Continues processing of proteins produced in the RER, sire of the synthesis of lipids, little amount of SER in most cells
What are intercellular junctions?
Mechanisms that link cells together into a functional unit
What is a junctional complex?
Close association of several types of intercellular junctions
What are the three types of intercellular junctions?
- Occluding junctions (zonula occludens/tight junctions)
- Anchoring junctions
- Communicating junctions (gap junctions)
What role do occluding junctions play?
Form seals by linking cells together to prevent diffusion
What role do anchoring junctions play?
Provide mechanical strength and stability
Describe the two types of anchoring junctions
1) Adherent junctions/zonula adherent, link submemnrane actin bundles of adjacent cells
2) Desmosomes/macula adherens, link submemnrane intermediate filaments of adjacent cells, are stronger, form anchoring spots
What role do communicating junctions play?
Allow selective diffusion of molecules between adjacent cells using a circular patch studded with several hundred pores produced by connexons
Where are communicating junctions found?
- Epithelia (coverings of body surfaces)
- Some smooth muscle (e.g. intestines)
- Cardiac muscle (where spread of excitation is critical)