Week 2 - how do cells do what they do? Flashcards
intracellular
the space or fluid inside a cell, within the cell membrane
extracellular
the space or fluid outside a cell, outside the cell membrane
cytoplasm
the area and contents of a cell located within the membrane but outside the nucleus
organelle
a small, specialised intracellular unit with a specific function
nucleus
an organelle containing the cell’s DNA or genetic material
endoplasmic reticulum
a membranous organelle, rough if ribosomes, smooth if no ribosomes
epithelial cell
primary tissue type found lining ducts and tubes, and also lining the entire outside of the body
stratified
when epithelial cells are comprised of more than one layer
cuboidal
epithelial cells in a square shape, often with a round nucleus
columnar
epithelial cells in a tall rectangular shape, often with an oval shape nucleus
transitional
epithelial cells found only in the urinary system, allow for stretch depending on the volume of urine present
photomicrograph
a photo taken through a microscope, in order to visualise very small cells or tissues at high magnification
microvilli
small finger-like extensions off an epithelial cell membrane, increase surface area
adipose tissue
fatty tissue containing adipoctyes (fat cells)
What are the four functional characteristics of cells?
- energy use
- cell metabolism
- synthesis of molecules
- communication
- reproduction and inheritance
What are the functions of the plasma membrane?
controls the substances that move in and out of the cell membrane, it also supports cell flexibility
What are the components of the plasma membrane and their percentages?
phosopholipid bi-layer: hydrophilic phosphorous heads and hydrophobic lipid tails (45-55%), carbohydrates (4-8%) and proteins (45-55%)
What are the roles of proteins in the plasma membrane?
proteins act as receptors on the cell
What is the glycocalyx?
the glycocalyx consists of gylcoproteins and glycolipids. It forms the outer structure of the cell membrane.
What does the glycocalyx consist of?
Glycoproteins and glycolipids
What is the cytoplasm? What does it contain?
the cytoplasm is the cellular fluid material outside the nucleus but inside the plasma membrane. It includes organelles of the cell
What is cytosol? What are the two parts?
Cytosol consists of cytoplasmic inclusions (chemicals)_ and the cytoskeleton (supports the cell and is also involved in movement)
What is the role of cytoskeleton?
supports the cell and is involved in movement
What are the three parts of cytoskeleton?
microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments