Cell Biology Functions and Communication

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Questions and Answers

Which cell function enables muscle cells to contract and facilitate movement?

Communication

Secretion

Movement (correct)

Conductivity

What role does the extracellular matrix play in cell adhesion?

Facilitates nutrient absorption

Enables muscle contraction

Transmits electrical impulses

Provides structural support (correct)

Which type of tissue is primarily responsible for transmitting electrical impulses?

Muscle Tissue

Epithelial Tissue

Nervous Tissue (correct)

Connective Tissue

Which cellular communication method involves the direct contact of cells via gap junctions?

Direct contact Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of lysosomes in cellular excretion?

Break down cellular debris Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT a type of cell adhesion molecule?

Collagen Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the mutation process?

A change occurs in the DNA sequence Signup and view all the answers

Which tissue type functions to protect, absorb, and secrete?

Epithelial Tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mitochondria within a cell?

Convert oxygen into energy Signup and view all the answers

What process ensures genetic continuity during DNA replication?

Complementary strand creation Signup and view all the answers

What is atrophy in the context of cellular adaptation?

Decrease in cell size due to disuse or lack of resources Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cellular adaptation involves an increase in cell number?

Hyperplasia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes dysplasia?

Abnormal growth of cells that may precede cancer Signup and view all the answers

Which type of injury is caused by a lack of essential resources like oxygen?

Deficit injury Signup and view all the answers

What causes toxic injury to cells?

Harmful chemicals or metabolic errors Signup and view all the answers

Metaplasia is defined as which of the following?

Reversible conversion of one cell type to another Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a common cause of cellular injury?

Excessive physical activity Signup and view all the answers

Cellular adaptation can occur in response to which type of stress?

All forms of stress, including toxic or infectious Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of hypertrophy on cells?

Increase in cell size due to workload Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes hyperplasia?

It can be induced by hormonal changes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Specialized Cell Functions

Muscle cells contract to enable movement
Nerve cells generate and transmit electrical impulses.
Metabolic Absorption: Cells intake and utilize nutrients
Cells such as mucous glands can secrete hormones.
Cells eliminate waste like lysosomes breaking down cellular debris.
Cells convert oxygen into energy through ATP production.
Cells divide to create new cells.
Cells communicate using signals to coordinate their functions

Cell-to-Cell Adhesions

Extracellular matrix provides structural support with collagen, elastin and proteoglycans.
Cell adhesion molecules allow cells to adhere to one another and to the exterior matrix.
Specialized cell junctions include:
- Tight junctions
- Gap junctions
- Desmosomes
These structures help maintain the integrity of tissues and organs.

Cellular Communication

Cells communicate via direct contact using gap junctions.
Cells communicate with receptors on the cell surface.
Cells utilize signal transduction to create responses within the cell.

Types of Tissues

Epithelial tissue protects, absorbs, and secretes substances (e.g., skin)
Connective tissue provides structure and support (e.g., bone, blood).
Muscle tissue enables movement, including skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
Nervous tissue transmits electrical impulses for communication using neurons.

Genetics

Genetics is the study of genes and inheritance.
Human Genetics focuses on hereditary traits and human variations.
DNA contains genetic information in a double helix structure.
RNA assists in translating genetic code from DNA into proteins.
DNA duplicates itself by splitting and creating a complementary strand which ensures genetic continuity.

Mutations

Mutations occur as a change in the DNA sequence.
Mutations can be inherited, or caused by environmental factors.
Mutations result from errors during DNA replication or exposure to mutagens such as chemicals or radiation.

Cellular Adaptation

Atrophy is when the cell size decreases due to disuse or lack of resources.
Hypertrophy is when the cell size increases due to increased workload.
Hyperplasia is when the number of cells increases, often due to increased demand or hormonal stimulation.
Dysplasia is when abnormal cell growth and appearance occurs, which can be reversible, but can precede cancer.
Metaplasia is when there is a reversible replacement of one cell type with another better suited to the stressor.

Cellular Injury, Stress, and Cell Death

Cellular Injury is caused by toxic, infectious, physical, or deficit-related factors.
Cells can adapt, recover, or die in response to the severity and duration of stress.
Toxic Injury can be caused by harmful chemicals or metabolic errors.
Deficit Injury happens when cells lack essential resources like oxygen or nutrients.
Infectious Injury is caused by pathogens that disrupt cell function.
Physical Injury can occur from thermal or mechanical forces such as trauma or radiation.

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Description

This quiz explores specialized functions of cells, including their roles in movement, communication, and metabolic absorption. It also delves into cell-to-cell adhesion and the structures that maintain tissue integrity. Test your knowledge on how cells operate and interact within the body.