Cell Movement in the Human Body

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the heart in relation to red blood cells?

To pump them around the body so they can do their job (correct)

To filter out impurities from the red blood cells

To produce red blood cells

To help them swim around in the bloodstream

What is unique about the movement of red blood cells in the bloodstream?

They are pumped around the body by the heart (correct)

They are stationary in the bloodstream

They are capable of swimming on their own

They move randomly throughout the body

What is the significance of cell migration and movement in our bodies?

It is only important during development

It is not important at all

It is only important for immune system function

It is critically important for various bodily functions, including development and immune system function (correct)

What is the primary function of the flagellum in sperm cells?

To propel the sperm cell forward Signup and view all the answers

What are the microtubule proteins in the flagellum of sperm cells similar to?

Lego blocks Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cell movement during development?

It is important for forming tissues and organ systems Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the movement of certain cells in our bodies?

Some cells can move around on their own, while others are pumped around Signup and view all the answers

What is the epic journey of sperm cells towards?

An egg for fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of dynein proteins in sperm cells?

To whip the flagellum back and forth Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a flagellum in a cell?

To move the cell around Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of microtubules in the cytoskeletal model of cell movement?

To steer the cell Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell is used as an example of cell movement in the immune system?

Neutrophil Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of a neutrophil sticking to the endothelium and rolling along?

Adhesion Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of actin proteins in the cytoskeletal model of cell movement?

To push the cell forward Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the endothelium in the movement of neutrophils?

To provide a surface for neutrophils to adhere to Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a sperm cell's flagella failing to form properly?

It is harder for the sperm cell to fertilize an egg Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the cell 'skeleton' that makes up its structure?

Cytoskeleton Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the signal that attracts neutrophils to areas of the body that need their help?

The Batman signal Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of microtubules in cell movement?

To set the direction of cell movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the two types of endocytosed vesicles in the membrane flow model?

One type contains integrins, the other type does not Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the plasma membrane during the membrane flow model of cell movement?

It is internalized and then recycled back to the surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of integrins in the membrane flow model?

To anchor the cell membrane to the extracellular matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is the cytoskeletal model of cell movement?

A model that describes the role of microtubules in cell movement Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the fixed microtubules in the cytoskeletal model?

They anchor the cell to the extracellular matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is the net effect of the membrane flow model on cell movement?

The cell moves in a specific direction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the exocytosis of vesicles in the membrane flow model?

To add new plasma membrane to the leading edge Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Movement

Cell movement is crucial in our bodies, especially during development and immune system function.
Some cells, like red blood cells, are pumped around by the heart, while others, like sperm cells and white blood cells, can move on their own.

Sperm Cell Movement

Sperm cells have a flagellum, a tail that whips back and forth to propel them forward.
The flagellum is made of microtubule proteins and dynein proteins, similar to a Lego structure.
Flagella are also found in bacteria and archaea, but with different proteins.
Proper flagellum formation is essential for sperm to reach an egg for fertilization.

White Blood Cell Movement

White blood cells, like neutrophils, move around the bloodstream until they receive a signal to help with infections.
They respond to the signal by sticking to the endothelium, rolling along, and then moving between endothelial cells into the tissues.
Their movement is critical for reaching areas of infection.

Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement

A cell's cytoskeleton, composed of proteins, provides its structure and enables movement.
There are two theories for cell movement: the cytoskeletal model and the membrane flow model.
The cytoskeletal model proposes that:
- Actin proteins polymerize at the leading edge of the cell, pushing it forward.
- Microtubules at the back of the cell act as a rudder to steer and as an anchor to stop movement.

Membrane Flow Model

The membrane flow model proposes that:
- Bits of plasma membrane are internalized as vesicles and move to the front of the cell to exocytose.
- There are two types of vesicles: those with just plasma membrane (extending the leading edge) and those with integrin proteins (anchoring the cell).
- The combination of these vesicles enables cell movement.

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Description

Learn about the importance of cell movement in our bodies and how they differ from red blood cells. Discover how cells move around to do their jobs properly.