Cell Physiology: Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

Detoxification of drugs

Storage of nutrients

Lipid metabolism

Protein synthesis (correct)

Which organelle is responsible for the modification and packaging of proteins and lipids?

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Apparatus (correct)

Lysosomes

Vacuoles

What is a key characteristic of Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

Presence of ribosomes

Role in detoxification and lipid metabolism (correct)

Involvement in protein synthesis

Storage of genetic material

What role do lysosomes play in cellular function?

Breaking down cellular waste Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organelles is involved in the detoxification of chemicals?

Peroxisomes Signup and view all the answers

What function do cilia serve in the respiratory tract?

Moving mucus and debris out of the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is essential for the synthesis of proteins within the cell?

Ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of vacuoles in a cell?

Acting as storage compartments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

To regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which level of organization involves similar cells coming together to form a specific structure?

Tissue level Signup and view all the answers

What structure within the nucleus is responsible for ribosome production?

Nucleolus Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes mitochondria in terms of their structure and function?

They generate ATP and contain their own DNA with a double membrane Signup and view all the answers

What role do embedded proteins play in the phospholipid bilayer?

They perform various functions, including transport and signal transmission Signup and view all the answers

At which level of organization do organs function together to perform a specific task?

Organ level Signup and view all the answers

How does gene expression regulation occur within the nucleus?

Via chromatin structure alteration Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of a phospholipid molecule in the cell membrane?

It has a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Physiology: Structure and Function

Cells are the fundamental units of life, performing essential functions like reproduction, metabolism, and response.
There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.
- Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, found in bacteria, while eukaryotic cells are more complex, containing a nucleus, and found in plants, animals, and fungi.
Cells are organized into levels: chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, system, and organismal.

Cell Structure

Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane):
- Forms a barrier separating the cell's interior from its surroundings.
- Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
- Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic heads facing outward (water-loving) and hydrophobic tails facing inward (water-fearing).
- Contains embedded proteins with various functions, including transport, receptors, and structural support.
Transport Across the Cell Membrane:
- Passive Transport:
  - Requires no energy.
  - Moves substances down a concentration gradient (high to low concentration).
  - Includes simple diffusion (movement of molecules from higher to lower concentration), and facilitated diffusion (movement of molecules through channels or carrier proteins).
- Active Transport:
  - Requires energy (ATP).
  - Moves substances against a concentration gradient (low to high concentration).
  - Includes ion pumps like Na+/K+.
Vesicular Transport:
- Substances moved into or out of the cell using vesicles or vacuoles.
- Endocytosis:
  - Takes material into the cell.
  - Includes phagocytosis(cell eating) and pinocytosis (cell drinking).
- Exocytosis:
  - Releases material from the cell.

Cell Organelles

Nucleus:
- Control center of the cell, containing DNA, controlling gene expression, and containing ribosomes necessary for protein synthesis.
Mitochondria:
- Powerhouses of the cell, producing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
- Network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis, folding, and transport.
- Rough ER has ribosomes, primarily for protein synthesis; smooth ER for lipid metabolism and detoxification.
Golgi Apparatus:
- Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.
Lysosomes:
- Contain digestive enzymes that break down cellular waste products and foreign materials.
Vacuoles:
- Storage compartments for water, ions, nutrients, and waste products.
Peroxisomes:
- Break down fatty acids and other harmful substances.
Ribosomes:
- Involved in protein synthesis.
Centrioles:
- Important for cell division.
Cilia and flagella:
- Hair-like structures involved in movement and other cellular functions.
Microvilli:
- Increase surface area for absorption and secretion.
Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane. Important for maintaining water balance.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental aspects of cell physiology, including the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Learn about the importance of the cell membrane, its composition, and the processes involved in maintaining homeostasis within the cell. Test your knowledge on the organization of cells and their role in the larger biological systems.