Cell Biology Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

  • Break down waste materials.
  • Synthesize proteins.
  • Modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids. (correct)
  • Produce ATP through cellular respiration.

Which statement accurately describes prokaryotic cells?

  • They are generally larger than eukaryotic cells.
  • They lack a nucleus and are smaller and simpler. (correct)
  • They have a defined nucleus.
  • They contain membrane-bound organelles.

In which phase of cell division does the separation of sister chromatids occur?

  • Prophase
  • Telophase
  • Metaphase
  • Anaphase (correct)

Which of the following organelles is primarily involved in ATP production?

<p>Mitochondria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of signaling allows a cell to target itself?

<p>Autocrine signaling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) play in a cell?

<p>It synthesizes proteins and lipids. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process results in the production of gametes?

<p>Meiosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?

<p>Protein synthesis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Cell Biology

Basics of Cell Theory

  • All living organisms are composed of cells.
  • Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things.
  • New cells arise from existing cells.

Types of Cells

  1. Prokaryotic Cells

    • Lack a nucleus.
    • Smaller and simpler (e.g., bacteria).
    • Genetic material is located in the nucleoid region.
  2. Eukaryotic Cells

    • Have a nucleus.
    • Larger and more complex (e.g., plant and animal cells).
    • Contain membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).

Cell Structure and Function

  • Cell Membrane

    • Semi-permeable barrier that controls movement in and out of the cell.
    • Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
  • Nucleus

    • Contains genetic material (DNA).
    • Controls cellular activities and gene expression.
  • Mitochondria

    • Powerhouse of the cell, site of ATP (energy) production.
    • Involved in cellular respiration.
  • Ribosomes

    • Sites of protein synthesis.
    • Can be free-floating or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

    • Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.
    • Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and detoxifies.
  • Golgi Apparatus

    • Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.
  • Lysosomes

    • Contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.
  • Cytoskeleton

    • Network of fibers providing structural support.
    • Involved in cell movement and transport within the cell.

Cell Division

  • Mitosis

    • Division of the nucleus resulting in two identical daughter cells.
    • Phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.
  • Cytokinesis

    • Division of the cytoplasm following mitosis, resulting in two separate cells.
  • Meiosis

    • Specialized form of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and eggs).
    • Reduces chromosome number by half, introducing genetic diversity.

Cell Communication

  • Cells communicate through chemical signals (e.g., hormones).
  • Cell receptors bind to signaling molecules to initiate responses.
  • Types of signaling:
    • Autocrine: Cell targets itself.
    • Paracrine: Cell targets nearby cells.
    • Endocrine: Signals travel through the bloodstream to distant cells.

Cellular Metabolism

  • Metabolism consists of all chemical reactions within a cell.
  • Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to release energy.
  • Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules for cellular functions.

Cellular Transport Mechanisms

  • Passive Transport

    • Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
    • Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.
  • Active Transport

    • Requires energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient.
    • Includes pumps (e.g., sodium-potassium pump) and vesicular transport (endocytosis, exocytosis).

Basics of Cell Theory

  • All living things are made up of cells
  • The cell is the basic unit of life
  • New cells come from pre-existing cells

Types of Cells

  • Prokaryotic Cells
    • Lack a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles
    • Simpler and smaller
    • Example: Bacteria
  • Eukaryotic Cells
    • Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
    • More complex and larger
    • Example: Animal and plant cells

Cell Structure and Function

  • Cell Membrane
    • Controls what goes in and out of a cell
    • Made of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins
  • Nucleus
    • Contains DNA, which is the cell's genetic material
    • Controls cellular activities and gene expression
  • Mitochondria
    • The "powerhouse" of the cell, producing energy (ATP)
    • Involved in cellular respiration
  • Ribosomes
    • Manufacture proteins for the cell
    • Can be free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the ER
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
    • Rough ER: Makes proteins, covered in ribosomes
    • Smooth ER: Makes lipids, detoxifies, and lacks ribosomes
  • Golgi Apparatus
    • Processes and packages proteins and lipids
    • Prepares these molecules for secretion or use within the cell
  • Lysosomes
    • Contain digestive enzymes to break down waste and cellular debris
  • Cytoskeleton
    • Provides structural support for the cell
    • Involved in cell movement and transport within the cell

Cell Division

  • Mitosis
    • Division of the nucleus resulting in two identical daughter cells
    • Four phases:
      • Prophase
      • Metaphase
      • Anaphase
      • Telophase
  • Cytokinesis
    • Division of the cytoplasm after mitosis, leading to two separate cells
  • Meiosis
    • Specialized cell division that produces gametes (sperm and eggs)
    • Reduces the chromosome number by half, introducing genetic diversity

Cell Communication

  • Cells communicate through chemical signals like hormones
  • Cell receptors bind to signaling molecules to trigger responses
  • Types of signaling:
    • Autocrine: Cell targets itself
    • Paracrine: Cell targets nearby cells
    • Endocrine: Signals travel through the bloodstream to distant cells

Cellular Metabolism

  • All chemical reactions occurring within a cell
  • Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to release energy
  • Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules for cellular functions

Cellular Transport Mechanisms

  • Passive Transport
    • Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration
    • Osmosis: Movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane
  • Active Transport
    • Requires energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient
    • Examples:
      • Pumps like the sodium-potassium pump
      • Vesicular transport (endocytosis, exocytosis)

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