Anatomy and Physiology: Animal Cell Structure

Study Notes

Animal Cell Structure

Nucleus
- Contains genetic material (DNA), regulates gene expression and cell division.
- Composed of DNA, RNA, histones, enclosed by a lipid bilayer (nuclear envelope).
- Significant in controlling cellular activities; associated with cancer and genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and progeria.
Nucleolus
- Produces and assembles components necessary for ribosome formation.
- Made up of RNA and proteins crucial for protein synthesis.
- Linked to ribosomopathies like Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
Nuclear Envelope
- Double membrane structure with pores for substance exchange between nucleus and cytoplasm.
- Comprised of phospholipids and proteins.
- Malfunctions can lead to diseases like Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.
Mitochondria
- Primary site for ATP generation through oxidative phosphorylation, playing a role in energy production and apoptosis regulation.
- Contains its own DNA and is crucial for cellular metabolism.
- Dysfunction results in mitochondrial diseases such as Leigh syndrome and mitochondrial myopathy.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)
- Lined with ribosomes, it synthesizes membrane-bound and secretory proteins from mRNA.
- Contains rRNA, ribosomal proteins, and phospholipids for protein production and modification.
- Associated with protein folding disorders like cystic fibrosis.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)
- Responsible for lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage; regulates calcium levels in the cell.
- Involved in lipid metabolism and drug detoxification linked to liver diseases and atherosclerosis.
Ribosomes
- Sites for protein synthesis from mRNA, composed of rRNA and proteins.
- Critical for translating genetic information into functional proteins.
- Ribosomal dysfunction can lead to conditions such as Treacher Collins syndrome.
Golgi Apparatus
- Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport or secretion.
- Contains glycosyltransferases and phospholipids for trafficking.
- Malfunctions can result in congenital disorders of glycosylation.
Lysosomes
- Contain hydrolytic enzymes (hydrolases) for digesting macromolecules, waste, and pathogens.
- Function in the recycling of damaged organelles.
- Associated with lysosomal storage diseases, including Tay-Sachs and Gaucher disease.
Peroxisomes
- Break down fatty acids and detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS) via catalase and oxidase enzymes.
- Composed of a phospholipid membrane; integral in lipid metabolism and detoxification.
- Disorders linked to peroxisomal dysfunction include Zellweger syndrome.
Cytoplasm
- Aqueous solution where organelles are suspended; site for metabolic reactions.
- Contains water, salts, proteins, and ions necessary for cellular processes.
- Supports organelles and facilitates intracellular metabolism.
Cytoskeleton
- Composed of actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules providing structural support and maintaining cell shape.
- Aids in cell division, transport, and positioning of organelles.
- Dysfunction can lead to diseases such as muscular dystrophy and neurodegenerative disorders.
Centrosome
- Organelle that organizes microtubules and regulates cell division.
- Ensures proper chromosome segregation during mitosis/meiosis.
- Malfunctions can contribute to cancer development due to abnormal mitosis.
Vesicles
- Small membrane-bound structures transporting materials within the cell, involved in endocytosis and exocytosis.
- Composed of phospholipids, proteins (SNAREs, clathrin).
- Associated with vesicular trafficking disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Description

Explore the intricacies of animal cell structures in this anatomy and physiology quiz. Focus on organelle functions, biochemical components, and their significance in regulating vital processes. Understand the implications of associate diseases related to cellular functions.