Funbio 4
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the nuclear envelope?

The nuclear envelope isolates nuclear material from the cytoplasm.

Describe the composition of the nucleus.

The nucleus is composed of the nuclear envelope, chromatin, nucleolus, nuclear pores, and nucleoplasm.

How does the nuclear lamina contribute to the function of the nucleus?

The nuclear lamina provides structural support to the nuclear envelope and aids in positioning nuclear pores.

What is the role of nuclear pores in the cell?

<p>Nuclear pores regulate the exchange of materials between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What genetic mutations can affect the nuclear lamina, and what syndromes are associated with them?

<p>Genetic mutations in the nuclear lamina can cause progeria syndrome and Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nuclear pore complex?

<p>The nuclear pore complex primarily allows the transport of water-soluble molecules across the nuclear envelope.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure of the nuclear pore complex.

<p>The nuclear pore complex consists of eight subunits that surround a central channel approximately 9nm in diameter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is nucleoplasm and what is its role within the nucleus?

<p>Nucleoplasm is a highly viscous liquid that surrounds the chromosomes and nucleoli in the nucleus, containing dissolved substances like nucleotides and enzymes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between a nucleotide and a nucleoside.

<p>A nucleoside consists of a purine or pyrimidine base linked to a sugar, whereas a nucleotide includes one or more nucleosides bonded to a phosphate group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the network of fibers found within the nucleoplasm?

<p>The network of fibers in the nucleoplasm is referred to as the nuclear matrix.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural characteristic of integral transmembrane proteins allows them to span the entire plasma membrane?

<p>They are usually folded into an alpha-helix or can be arranged in a beta-barrel structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of peripheral proteins in relation to membrane structure?

<p>Peripheral proteins temporarily interact with integral membrane proteins and associate with the lipid bilayer's peripheral regions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do small uncharged lipid-soluble molecules cross the plasma membrane?

<p>They readily pass through the membrane due to its semi-permeable nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main functions of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

<p>The nucleus controls genetic information, heredity characteristics, and the synthesis of proteins and enzymes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes integral membrane proteins from peripheral proteins?

<p>Integral membrane proteins are permanently attached to the membrane and cannot be easily removed, while peripheral proteins are temporarily associated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do mammalian red blood cells and platelets lack nuclei?

<p>They have specialized functions that require more space for hemoglobin and other cellular components, thus limiting their futures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of carriers or special channels affect the movement of water and charged ions across membranes?

<p>They facilitate the movement, as the rates of diffusion for these molecules cannot be explained solely by passive transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of molecules typically require channels or carriers to cross biological membranes?

<p>Charged inorganic ions and larger polar molecules typically need channels or carriers for movement across the membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structural feature of the plasma membrane as described by the fluid mosaic model?

<p>The plasma membrane consists of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that can move laterally, creating a fluid structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between integral and peripheral membrane proteins.

<p>Integral membrane proteins are embedded within the lipid bilayer, while peripheral proteins are attached to the outer or inner surface of the membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do membrane proteins contribute to the function of semipermeable membranes?

<p>Membrane proteins facilitate the selective transport of substances across the membrane and assist in cell signaling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure of the nucleus, including its key components.

<p>The nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear envelope, contains pores for transport, and is filled with karyoplasm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between euchromatin and heterochromatin?

<p>Euchromatin is less condensed and active in transcription, while heterochromatin is densely packed and generally inactive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do eukaryotic cells typically differ in chromosome number?

<p>Each eukaryotic organism has a characteristic number of chromosomes that is consistent for that species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the diameter range of the plasma membrane as observed under electron microscopy?

<p>The plasma membrane appears between 7.5 – 10 nm in diameter under electron microscopy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do saturated fatty acids play in the structure of the plasma membrane?

<p>Saturated fatty acids in the outer face of the membrane contribute to its structural integrity and fluidity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the glycocalyx in cell membranes.

<p>The glycocalyx protects the cell and may facilitate cell recognition and communication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do amphipathic molecules contribute to the formation of the lipid bilayer?

<p>Amphipathic molecules, with hydrophobic tails facing inwards and hydrophilic heads facing outwards, allow the bilayer to form naturally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nucleolus in a cell?

<p>The nucleolus is primarily responsible for transcribing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembling ribosomal particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of the nucleolus relate to cellular activity?

<p>The size of the nucleolus reflects the activity level of the cell; it may be small or occupy up to 25% of the nucleus depending on rRNA synthesis demands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What chromosomal region is essential for the formation of the nucleolus?

<p>Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are essential chromosomal regions crucial for nucleolus formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What chromosomal abnormalities cause Down's syndrome?

<p>Down's syndrome is caused by trisomy 21, which is the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do ribosomes relate to the function of the nucleolus?

<p>Ribosomes, which are formed from rRNA and proteins, are produced in the nucleolus and are essential for protein synthesis in the cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are chromatin fibers, and how can they be observed?

<p>Chromatin fibers are collections of threads and fibers present in the nucleoplasm during interphase, which can be observed using an electron microscope.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between euchromatin and heterochromatin regarding their structure and function.

<p>Euchromatin is lightly packed, allows DNA transcription, while heterochromatin is tightly packed, does not undergo transcription, and serves functions like gene regulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a nucleosome and its role in chromatin packing?

<p>A nucleosome is the basic unit of chromatin, consisting of a DNA double helix wound around a histone protein, critical for the compact packing of DNA in chromosomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the numbers of chromosomes differ between diploid and haploid cells, and provide an example comparing both?

<p>Diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (2N), while haploid cells contain one set (N). For example, humans have 46 chromosomes (2N) and gametes have 23 chromosomes (N).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structural significance of the histone octamer in chromatin.

<p>The histone octamer is a protein complex around which DNA winds to form nucleosomes, playing a crucial role in chromatin organization and gene regulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relevance of chromatid structure during cell division?

<p>During cell division, each chromatid is a mirror image of its sister, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the packing density of heterochromatin contribute to its genetic functions?

<p>The dense packing of heterochromatin limits access to DNA, thereby regulating gene expression and protecting chromosomal integrity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why chromatin is visible during interphase as chromatin fibers.

<p>During interphase, the chromatin is less coiled, forming fibers that become visible under an electron microscope, facilitating cellular functions like transcription.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Ultrastructure: Nucleus & Plasma Membrane

  • The lecture covers the cell ultrastructure, focusing on the nucleus and plasma membrane.
  • The course is Fundamentals of Human Biology, code FUNBIO 4.
  • The lecturer is Adrian Dervan PhD.
  • The date of the lecture is October 2nd 2024.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learners will describe the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane.
  • Learners will discuss the differences between integral and peripheral membrane proteins.
  • Learners will explain how membrane proteins function in semipermeable membranes.
  • Learners will describe the structure of the nucleus, including the nuclear envelope, pores, and karyoplasm.
  • Learners will differentiate between euchromatic and heterochromatic nuclei.
  • Learners will explain how each organism has a characteristic number of chromosomes.

Cell Membranes - Plasma & Nuclear Membrane

  • Animal and plant cells are eukaryotic.
  • Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and other organelles, each enclosed in a membrane.
  • Organelles, including the nucleus, plasma membrane, lysosomes, and mitochondria, are necessary for cell function.

Plasma membrane

  • Under the electron microscope (EM), the plasma membrane appears as a three-layered structure between 7.5-10nm in diameter.
  • All living cells have a plasma membrane.
  • The lipid bilayer is the universal basis of cell membrane structure.
  • It is composed of two lipid layers largely phospholipids.
  • Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules, with hydrophobic tails facing inwards and hydrophilic heads facing outwards.
  • These molecules have the ability to form a bilayer due to their chemical properties.
  • The outer face has more saturated fatty acids (e.g., high cholesterol), making it more solid.
  • The inner face has more unsaturated fatty acids, making it more fluid.
  • The plasma membrane is a dynamic structure.

Cell Membrane: Fluid Mosaic Model

  • Proposed by Singer & Nicolson (1972).
  • Biological membranes can be considered as a two-dimensional liquid.
  • The model consists of phospholipid molecules with embedded (and associated) proteins and lipids.
  • Many cells have a cell coat or glycocalyx formed by carbohydrate side chains of proteins and lipids.
  • Cell membranes are semipermeable.
  • Membranes protect the cell and can keep other cells at a distance.
  • Membranes enable cells to recognize each other and to communicate.

Membrane Proteins

  • Two classes of membrane proteins: integral and peripheral.
  • Integral membrane proteins are permanently attached to the membrane.
  • Integral proteins can be transmembrane or integral monotopic membrane proteins.
  • Peripheral membrane proteins are attached to integral membrane proteins or to the lipid regions of the lipid bilayer.

Integral Membrane Proteins

  • Integral proteins are permanently embedded in the membrane.
  • Transmembrane proteins span the entire membrane.
  • Integral proteins can be folded as a-helices, or b-barrels.
  • Some integral proteins act as anchors, transporters, enzymes, and receptors.

Peripheral Membrane Proteins

  • Peripheral proteins are temporarily attached to the membrane.
  • They are associated with peripheral regions of the lipid bilayer.
  • Interactions are temporary.
  • These proteins then dissociate from the membrane and enter the cytoplasm.

Plasma Membrane - Function

  • All membranes act as semi-permeable membranes.
  • Small, uncharged, lipid-soluble molecules readily pass through the membrane.
  • Virtually any molecule will diffuse across a lipid bilayer.
  • The rates of water and charged inorganic ions across membranes depend on carriers or channels.

Integral Transmembrane Proteins

  • Span the entire plasma membrane.
  • Usually folded as alpha-helices, or beta-barrels.
  • Act as anchors, transporters, channels, enzymes, and receptors.

The Nucleus

  • All cells in the human body contain a nucleus except mammalian red blood cells and platelets.
  • These specialized cells have limited futures due to a lack of nuclei.

Prokaryote vs. Eukaryote

  • Prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) do not have a nucleus and the DNA is located in the cytoplasm.
  • Eukaryotes (animals and plants) have a nucleus containing the genetic material.

The Nucleus - Functions

  • Control of genetic information in the cell
  • Control of heredity characteristics
  • Control of protein and enzyme synthesis
  • Control of cell division and growth
  • Storage of DNA, RNA, and ribosomes
  • Regulation of mRNA transcription to protein
  • Production of ribosomes

The Nucleus - Structure

  • One nucleus per typical cell, located in the cytoplasm as a rounded body.
  • Nucleus composed of nuclear envelope, chromatin, nucleolus, nuclear pores, and nucleoplasm.

Nuclear Envelope

  • Nucleus enclosed in a double-layered nuclear envelope.
  • Isolates nuclear material from the cytoplasm.
  • Has a perinuclear space (20-40nm wide) between the two membranes
  • The outer membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm.

Nuclear Lamina

  • Found adjacent to the inner face of the nuclear envelope.
  • Provides internal structural support for the nucleus.
  • Made of intermediate filaments (primarily lamins).
  • Genetic mutations in lamins can cause progeria syndrome and Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.
  • Function: support to nuclear envelope, aid in positioning of nuclear pores.

Nuclear Pore

  • Thousands of pores occupying ~10-30% of the surface of the nuclear envelope.
  • Ring-like arrangement, octagonal structure, over 50nm. diameter.
  • Allows transport of water-soluble molecules. Includes RNA, ribosomes, proteins, carbs, and signal molecules.

Nucleoplasm

  • Cytoplasm within the nucleus, a highly viscous liquid surrounding chromosomes and nucleoli.
  • Contains various substances (nucleotides and enzymes).
  • A network of fibers (nuclear matrix) is similar to cell cytoskeleton.
  • Precise composition and arrangement not fully understood.

Chromatin Fibers

  • Chromatin fibres are a collection of threads and fibres visible in the nucleoplasm during interphase, the stage of the cell cycle after cell division.
  • Fine chromatin fibres (fibrils) have a 2nm diameter.
  • These fibrils are about the size of a DNA molecule.

Chromatin

  • Euchromatin is the lightly packed form of chromatin in which the DNA is actively transcribed.
  • Heterochromatin is the tightly packed form of chromatin. DNA is not transcribed in this form. It's usually located at the periphery of the nucleus and plays a role in gene regulation and chromosome protection.

The Structure of Chromatin (details)

  • DNA wraps around histone proteins forming nucleosomes.
  • These nucleosomes then coil into higher-order structures (30-nm fibers, Looped domains etc).
  • These structures are associated with chromosome structure in the context of cell division

Chromatin Packing

  • Chromatin undergoes multiple coiling levels to compact the DNA.
  • The basic unit of this packing in a nucleosome (DNA wrapped around histone octamers).
  • These nucleosomes then repeat over the length of the chromatin fibre.

Number of Chromosomes in Species

  • Different species have a characteristic number of chromosomes.
  • Human cells have 46 chromosomes and 22 pairs of autosomes + 2 sex chromosomes.
  • Trisomy 21 (3 copies of chromosome 21) leads to Down’s Syndrome.

Nucleolus

  • One or more per typical cell nucleus.
  • Dense basophilic (staining) material in the nucleoplasm which disappears during cell division.
  • Re-appears organized by nucleolar organiser regions (NORs) on particular chromosomes.

Nucleolus Function

  • Associated with specific chromosome regions for rRNA transcription.
  • rRNA molecules are components of ribosomes.
  • Ribosomes are closely linked to protein synthesis.
  • Ribosomes contain approximately equal amounts of RNA and protein.
  • Nucleolus size reflects cell activity.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to the structure and function of the cell nucleus. It covers topics including the nuclear envelope, nuclear pores, nucleoplasm, and associated genetic mutations. Test your knowledge on the critical roles the nucleus plays in eukaryotic cells and the differences between nucleotides and nucleosides.

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