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Questions and Answers
What primarily occurs during the G1 phase of the cell cycle?
What primarily occurs during the G1 phase of the cell cycle?
Why is the S phase important in the cell cycle?
Why is the S phase important in the cell cycle?
What role does the G2 checkpoint play in the cell cycle?
What role does the G2 checkpoint play in the cell cycle?
Which of the following statements about the mitotic spindle is false?
Which of the following statements about the mitotic spindle is false?
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What happens during cytokinesis in the cell cycle?
What happens during cytokinesis in the cell cycle?
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What was a significant contribution of Robert Hooke in 1665?
What was a significant contribution of Robert Hooke in 1665?
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What is the primary focus of the research conducted by Paez-Espino et al. in 2016?
What is the primary focus of the research conducted by Paez-Espino et al. in 2016?
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Which publication discusses the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
Which publication discusses the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
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In what context is flow cytometry discussed in 2018?
In what context is flow cytometry discussed in 2018?
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What does the endoplasmic reticulum do within cells?
What does the endoplasmic reticulum do within cells?
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What is the primary purpose of the cell cycle?
What is the primary purpose of the cell cycle?
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Which concept is illustrated in Griffiths et al.'s introduction to genetic analysis?
Which concept is illustrated in Griffiths et al.'s introduction to genetic analysis?
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Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily focused on DNA replication?
Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily focused on DNA replication?
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What characterizes the G0 phase of the cell cycle?
What characterizes the G0 phase of the cell cycle?
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Which aspect of cell biology is highlighted in Lavanya's work from 2005?
Which aspect of cell biology is highlighted in Lavanya's work from 2005?
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What is a key topic addressed by Doble and Gummadi's publication in 2010?
What is a key topic addressed by Doble and Gummadi's publication in 2010?
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During which stage of interphase does the cell prepare itself by accumulating nutrients?
During which stage of interphase does the cell prepare itself by accumulating nutrients?
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Which phase follows G1 and is specifically focused on DNA synthesis?
Which phase follows G1 and is specifically focused on DNA synthesis?
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How long does interphase typically last in relation to the total cell cycle time?
How long does interphase typically last in relation to the total cell cycle time?
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What happens during the mitotic (M) phase?
What happens during the mitotic (M) phase?
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Which of the following cells is most likely to enter the G0 phase?
Which of the following cells is most likely to enter the G0 phase?
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What is the main function of cell cycle checkpoints?
What is the main function of cell cycle checkpoints?
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Which phase of interphase follows the DNA synthesis phase (S phase)?
Which phase of interphase follows the DNA synthesis phase (S phase)?
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What component makes up the largest percentage of a typical mammalian cell's weight?
What component makes up the largest percentage of a typical mammalian cell's weight?
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Which of the following components has the smallest percentage of total cell weight in mammalian cells?
Which of the following components has the smallest percentage of total cell weight in mammalian cells?
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Who coined the term 'cell' and in what context?
Who coined the term 'cell' and in what context?
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What advancement allowed scientists to identify organelles like the nucleus and mitochondria by the late 1800s?
What advancement allowed scientists to identify organelles like the nucleus and mitochondria by the late 1800s?
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What technique allows researchers to track biological processes in real time?
What technique allows researchers to track biological processes in real time?
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What color is NOT mentioned as being part of the fluorescent labels used in modern microscopy?
What color is NOT mentioned as being part of the fluorescent labels used in modern microscopy?
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What was the title of the first book describing observations made through a microscope?
What was the title of the first book describing observations made through a microscope?
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What process can researchers NOT directly track using fluorescent labels?
What process can researchers NOT directly track using fluorescent labels?
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What is the approximate percentage of cell weight attributed to proteins in a typical mammalian cell?
What is the approximate percentage of cell weight attributed to proteins in a typical mammalian cell?
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Which component comprises the second largest percentage of total cell weight in a mammalian cell?
Which component comprises the second largest percentage of total cell weight in a mammalian cell?
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What is the primary role of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration?
What is the primary role of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration?
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Which molecule is produced as a direct result of the citric acid cycle?
Which molecule is produced as a direct result of the citric acid cycle?
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What is a significant outcome of oxidative phosphorylation?
What is a significant outcome of oxidative phosphorylation?
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What is the end product of the citric acid cycle, which is regenerated at the end of the cycle?
What is the end product of the citric acid cycle, which is regenerated at the end of the cycle?
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Which compound serves as the primary electron donor in the electron transport chain?
Which compound serves as the primary electron donor in the electron transport chain?
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What are the components of the mitochondrial inner membrane important for the electron transport chain?
What are the components of the mitochondrial inner membrane important for the electron transport chain?
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Which process is directly linked to the functioning of the electron transport chain?
Which process is directly linked to the functioning of the electron transport chain?
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Which of the following is an initial substrate for the citric acid cycle?
Which of the following is an initial substrate for the citric acid cycle?
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What drives the synthesis of ATP during oxidative phosphorylation?
What drives the synthesis of ATP during oxidative phosphorylation?
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Which enzyme complex is responsible for ATP synthesis in the mitochondria?
Which enzyme complex is responsible for ATP synthesis in the mitochondria?
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Study Notes
Cell Biology I - Course Notes
- This course is for third-level biochemistry students at Helwan University
- Course code: BCh3105
- Lecturer: Dr. Rania EL-Lethy Abdelhamed EL-Lethy
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Science, Helwan University
Cell Biology - Definition
- Cell biology, also known as cytology or cytobiology, is a branch of biology
- It studies the different structures and functions of cells
- It focuses on the cell as the basic unit of life
- It explains cell structure, organization of organelles, physiological properties, metabolic processes, and signaling pathways
- It studies the life cycle and interactions with the environment
- This field includes both microscopic and molecular levels.
- The scope encompasses both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Cell Structure and Function
- Cells are the fundamental and functional units of all living organisms
- The body contains trillions of cells, organized into over 200 major types
- Cells carry out various jobs at any given time
- The cells have highly skilled jobs, which include covering (skin cells), preventing sloshing (bone cells), and eliminating toxins (liver cells).
- Others include making essential products such as sweat, saliva, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
- Cells carry out various functions depending on their type (e.g., red blood cells carry oxygen; white blood cells fight infection).
Blood
- Blood is the most important fluid in the body
- It's bright red when oxygenated, due to hemoglobin
- Blood circulates throughout the body via blood vessels, pumped by the heart
- Blood accounts for 7% of the human body weight and the average adult has a blood volume of approximately 5 litres
- Blood pH is kept within a narrow range (7.35 to 7.45), slightly basic
- Blood below 7.35 is acidic, while above 7.45 is basic
Functions of Blood
- Delivers oxygen to tissues, bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells
- Transports nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids
- Removes waste products, including carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid
- Has immunological functions (white blood cells and antibodies)
- Involved in coagulation (blood clotting)
- Transports hormones
Constituents of Human Blood
- Blood is composed of plasma and blood cells
- Plasma is the liquid component (~55% of blood), mainly water, with dissolved proteins and nutrients such as glucose, amino acids
- Blood cells include red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes)
Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells)
- The most numerous blood cells in humans
- Lack a nucleus and have a biconcave shape in mammals
- Responsible for transporting oxygen to tissues
- Have a lifespan of approximately 120 days
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
- Responsible for the body's defense mechanisms
- Less numerous than red blood cells
- Classified into granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils) and agranulocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes)
- Each type has specific functions in the immune system
Platelets (Thrombocytes)
- Smallest blood cells
- Involved in blood clotting by converting fibrinogen to fibrin
- Short lifespan (a few hours)
Plasma
- The liquid component of blood (about 55%)
- Primarily water (92%), with plasma proteins (8%) and trace amounts of other materials
- It carries dissolved nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, etc
- Plays a crucial role in transporting essential materials throughout the body
Counting Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
- Hemocytometer is a device used to count RBCs
- It consists of a thick glass microscope slide with a rectangular indentation that creates a chamber. This is divided into nine 1.0 mm squares. A cover glass is supported over the chambers for counting.
Cell Biology: Additional Information
- The cell, in biological terms, is the fundamental unit of life encompassing all living things.
- It plays a critical role as a self-contained unit, capable of metabolizing its own nutrients, synthesizing various types of molecules, providing energy, and replicating itself.
- Within multicellular organisms, cells exhibit high levels of specialization through differentiation into different specialized cells
- Cells interact with each other, forming tissues, organs, and, ultimately, entire organisms, all organized to carry out specific tasks.
Organelles
- Key components found within cells
- Mitochondria are responsible for energy transactions
- Lysosomes digest unwanted materials within the cell.
- Endoplasmic reticulum and golgi apparatus play key roles in the internal organization of the cell, including synthesis, sorting of molecules.
- In plant cells, chloroplasts are used for photosynthesis (converting CO2 and H2O into carbohydrates using sunlight energy).
- The cytosol, the liquid part of cytoplasm, contains an organized cytoskeleton, giving the cell shape and enabling movement, is crucial for various metabolic pathways.
- Cells, whether animal, plant, or bacterial, demonstrate variations in their constituent organelle, which is well illustrated by diagrams and figures.
Cell Membrane
- The cell membrane is a crucial component of cell biology, serving as a protective boundary.
- It is primarily a phospholipid bilayer, controlling the passage of materials into and out of the cell.
- The membrane is semipermeable.
Nucleus
- The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that houses the cell's genetic material.
- The nucleus is a crucial component, including the nucleolus, chromosomes and chromatin
- Its major role is containing the genetic information necessary for cell growth and reproduction.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
- Rough ER contains ribosomes (sites of protein synthesis)
- Smooth ER plays a role in various metabolic processes such as lipid synthesis, detoxification.
Ribosomes
- Ribosomes are the protein synthesis machinery of a cell.
- They are responsible for reading mRNA and synthesizing proteins.
Golgi Apparatus
- Golgi complex plays a role in processing and sorting of molecules within cells
- Processes and modifies proteins, including the addition of sugar groups for proper function.
Lysosomes
- Membrane bound sacs which contain various hydrolytic enzymes.
- Responsible for breaking down and recycling cellular components.
Mitochondria
- Membranes contain folds (cristae), providing a large surface area for the cellular activities that take place inside the organelle.
- Contain their own DNA and ribosomes.
- Energy production is a major role of these organelles - Cellular respiration is used to convert nutrient energy into a usable energy form called ATP.
Centrosome (Centrioles)
- This is the central microtubule-organizing center, involved in cell division and movement.
Chloroplasts
- Found in plant cells
- Involved in photosynthesis, transforming light energy into chemical energy.
Peroxisomes
- Contain enzymes that detoxify harmful substances.
- Involved in breaking down fatty acids and certain amino acids.
Cell Cycle and Checkpoints
- The series of events a cell goes through to divide and produce two identical daughter cells
- Interphase, a preparatory phase that encompasses the G₁, S, and G₂ steps before mitosis.
- Mitosis, the division of the nucleus, and cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm.
- These phases include prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase
- Checkpoints are critical control mechanisms that ensure the cell cycle proceeds accurately.
Cell Death
- Apoptosis is a highly organized type of programmed cell death, crucial for development and maintaining homeostasis
- Necrosis is a more disordered form of cell death, often resulting from external factors—such as injury or damage.
Genes
- Oncogenes
- Genes that promotes cell division
- Tumor suppressor genes
- Genes that inhibit cell division
Enzymes
- Enzymes are protein catalysts that accelerate the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process in the body.
- The presence of enzymes is critical for directing metabolic events and facilitating numerous biochemical pathways.
- They have an active site, which is a special pocket or cleft uniquely designed to bind substances (substrates) in specific ways, thus promoting reaction between the substrate molecules, that result in products.
- Enzymes exhibit a high level of specificity
- Enzymes usually have a specific coenzyme that facilitates proper function and is involved in the process.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the cell cycle phases including G1, S, G2, and mitosis. Explore key processes like cytokinesis and the roles of various cellular structures. This quiz also touches on historical contributions and modern research in cell biology.