Cell and Tissue Structure Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main role of cells in multicellular organisms?

To come together in communities with special roles (correct)

To exist independently without support

To function solely as a structural component

To operate without communication among each other

What defines a tissue in multicellular organisms?

Cells organized to perform a specific function (correct)

A random collection of cells

An aggregation of cells that do not communicate

A mixture of different types of cells with no common purpose

How do the shape of cells relate to their function?

Cell shape determines their inability to function

Shape reflects their unique role in the organism (correct)

Shape has no relationship to function

All cells have identical shapes regardless of their function

What structural component is key to how cells are organized into tissues?

Cytoskeleton Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for cells to work efficiently together in a community?

Special roles and communication among members Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the plant extracellular matrix?

Providing structure and support to the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which component primarily makes up the plant cell wall within the extracellular matrix?

Cellulose Signup and view all the answers

What important role does the extracellular matrix play in relation to infections?

It prevents pathogens from entering the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the general role of cell junctions in plant cells?

They connect cytoplasmic materials between cells Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of the extracellular matrix depend on the organism?

It is influenced by environmental conditions the organism lives in Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

Proteins and polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Which protein predominates in the human body and is a key component of the ECM?

Collagen Signup and view all the answers

What role does collagen play in the basal lamina?

Offers flexible support Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when cancer is described as metastatic?

Tumor cells escape and colonize new sites Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of integrins in relation to cancer cells?

Assist in cell migration across the basal lamina Signup and view all the answers

How does the environment affect cell shape according to the content?

Cells adopt different shapes based on their growth surface Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of collagen contributes to its strength compared to a solid coil?

It has twisted coils like a braided rope Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the extracellular matrix?

Serving as a barrier to nutrient diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of motor proteins in the cell?

To transport materials within the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell junction is characterized by its sealing capability to prevent substance movement between cells?

Tight junction Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells do cadherins primarily attach to?

Adjoining cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the major function of integrins in cellular structures?

Connect cells to the extracellular matrix Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell junction allows for direct communication between animal cells?

Gap junction Signup and view all the answers

What do hemidesmosomes primarily connect?

Cells to the extracellular matrix Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about microtubules is true?

They undergo dynamic instability with phases of shortening and elongation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major types of tracks that motor proteins use for transporting materials?

Microtubules and microfilaments Signup and view all the answers

Which type of junction is responsible for tissue reinforcement under physical stress?

Desmosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

They allow for communication and material transport between cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structure of the cytoskeleton composed of?

Long chains of protein subunits Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT associated with microfilaments?

Storing genetic information Signup and view all the answers

What role does the extracellular matrix (ECM) play between cells?

Providing structural support and facilitating communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes intermediate filaments?

Provide mechanical strength to cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of cytoskeletal element is primarily involved in the movement of chromosomes during cell division?

Microtubules Signup and view all the answers

Which function is a characteristic of microtubules?

Holding organelles in place Signup and view all the answers

What condition results from genetic defects in intermediate filaments in skin cells?

Fragile skin that easily blisters Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell movement is associated with microfilaments?

Amoeboid movement Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant role of the cytoskeleton in tissue integrity?

Maintaining cell shape and supporting tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of microfilaments composed of?

Actin monomers Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the cytoskeleton is false?

Microtubules are static structures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of microtubules?

Tubulin dimers Signup and view all the answers

How do the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix interact?

Both facilitate cell communication and integrity. Signup and view all the answers

What cellular feature is influenced by the cytoskeleton and ECM?

Cell shape and tissue integrity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell and Tissue Form

Cells come together to form tissues, which are collections of cells with specific structures that allow them to work together and perform a specific function.
The shape of cells and organs reflects their function.

Organizing Cells into Tissues

The cytoskeleton helps organize cells internally and connects cells to external structures.
Cells connect and communicate through cell junctions.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and helps with cell communication.
The ECM can include the basal lamina, a structure that provides support for layers of cells, particularly epithelial tissues.

Tissues Form Organs

Two or more tissues combine and function together to make up an organ.
Organs perform major functions, such as those within the respiratory organ system.

The Cytoskeleton

The cytoskeleton provides internal structural support and enables movement of substances within the cell.
It is made up of long chains of protein subunits called polymers.

Types of Cytoskeletal Elements

Microfilaments are made of actin monomers, are short, thin double helixes, and are extensively branched just beneath the cell membrane.
- They support cell shape, transport materials inside cells, contract muscle cells, participate in cell division, and enable cell movement.
Intermediate Filaments are made up of different proteins depending on the cell type, and provide mechanical strength to the cell.
- They contribute to cell and tissue shape and support.
- Genetic defects in the genes for intermediate filaments can lead to diseases like fragile skin that blisters easily.
Microtubules are hollow tubes of tubulin dimers.
- They contribute to cell shape and support, hold organelles in place, transport materials within the cell, enable cell movement using cilia and flagella, move chromosomes during cell division, and are dynamic structures that undergo polymerization and depolymerization.

Motor Proteins and Cell Movement

Motor proteins use microtubules and microfilaments as tracks to transport materials within a cell.
Kinesin and dynein move materials to and from different regions of the cell.
Myosin is a motor protein involved in muscle contraction.

Cell Adhesion Molecules and Cell Junctions

Cell adhesion molecules allow cells to attach to other cells and to the extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Cadherins bind adjacent cells and are used in adherens junctions and desmosomes.
- Integrins allow cells to attach to the ECM and are used in hemidesmosomes.
Cell junctions connect cells to other cells or tissues and are reinforced by the cytoskeleton.

Types of Cell Junctions

Anchoring Junctions
- Adherens Junctions attach cells to cells and involve cadherins.
- Desmosomes attach cells to cells and involve cadherins in a button-like arrangement.
- Hemidesmosomes attach cells to the basal lamina and involve integrins in a button-like arrangement.
Barrier Junctions
- Tight Junctions create a seal between cells, preventing substances from moving between them.
Communicating Junctions
- Gap Junctions (animals) and Plasmodesmata (plants) allow for communication between cells.

The Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The ECM is the material outside of the cellular membrane and provides structural support and informational cues for cells.
Plant ECM consists mainly of cellulose and provides structural support to the cell.
Animal ECM is an insoluble meshwork of proteins and polysaccharides, abundant in connective tissue, and contains a significant amount of collagen.
Collagen is a protein that provides strength and flexibility.
Basal Lamina is a specialized layer of ECM underneath epithelial tissue and provides flexible support.

The Extracellular Matrix and Cancer

Cancer cells can escape tumors and move to other parts of the body by crossing the ECM and basal lamina.
Integrins help cancer cells cross the basal lamina, and drugs targeting integrins are being studied for cancer treatment.

The Extracellular Matrix and Cell Shape

The surface where cells grow and attach can significantly affect their shape.
Cells grown on a glass surface are more likely to be flat, while cells grown in liquid are more likely to be rounded.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the organization of cells and tissues. This quiz covers the role of the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, and how tissues form organs with specific functions. Understand how cell shapes contribute to their roles in the body.