BIOL125 Week One: Body Cavities and Cell Structure

Cell shape is closely related to function; for instance, disc-shaped red blood cells are flexible to navigate through capillaries.

Specialized structures such as flagella in sperm cells and the biconcave shape of red blood cells enhance specific functions.

Aging disrupts homeostasis, leading to structural and functional alterations in cells. Some cell types, like skeletal muscle cells and neurons, have limited capacity for division, impairing tissue repair and regeneration.

<p>Aging genes become less active, slowing essential cellular processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Telomeres, protective DNA caps, shorten with each division, contributing to chromosomal erosion and dysfunction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Glucose-induced cross-linking of proteins reduces tissue elasticity and flexibility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Changes in cell surface markers can increase autoimmunity, marking cells for destruction by antibodies.</p> Signup and view all the answers