Small Molecules Flashcards
What are cilia and flagella?
Microtubule-based projections aiding movement
Cilia move extracellular fluid, while flagella propel cells.
What is the role of microvilli?
Actin-supported structures that increase surface area for absorption
What are filopodia and lamellipodia?
Actin-driven extensions for cell crawling
What is the function of tight junctions?
Seal cells together, preventing leakage
What do adherens junctions do?
Link actin cytoskeletons of neighboring cells
What is the purpose of desmosomes?
Provide mechanical strength via intermediate filaments
What do hemidesmosomes attach to?
Attach cells to the extracellular matrix
What is the function of gap junctions?
Allow direct cell-cell communication
What condition is associated with a deficiency in β-2 integrin?
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (LAD)
What causes Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB)?
Defective hemidesmosomes cause fragile skin
What are sugars used for in cells?
Energy sources & building blocks of polysaccharides
What role do fatty acids play in the cell?
Components of lipids; energy storage
What are amino acids categorized by?
Properties: Acidic, Basic, Polar, Nonpolar
What must essential amino acids be obtained from?
The diet
What are nucleotides?
DNA/RNA subunits & energy carriers (ATP)
What does the 1st Law of Thermodynamics state?
Energy conservation
What does the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics imply for cells?
Cells maintain order by expending energy
What is photosynthesis?
Conversion of solar energy to chemical energy
What is cellular respiration?
Extracts energy from food
What are prion diseases caused by?
Protein misfolding (e.g., Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)
What do amino acid deficiencies affect?
Protein synthesis
What do nucleotide disorders impact?
DNA replication & metabolism
