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Questions and Answers
What is NOT one of the three main components of a cell?
Which mechanism does NOT involve active transport?
What type of cellular extension is primarily involved in increasing surface area?
Which of the following transport mechanisms involves the movement of water across a membrane?
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What best describes the plasma membrane's role?
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What is the main characteristic of the plasma membrane?
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Which process requires energy to move substances across the plasma membrane?
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What distinguishes facilitated diffusion from simple diffusion?
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Which of the following best describes osmosis?
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What is an example of primary active transport?
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What is the primary function of lysosomes within the cell?
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How do peroxisomes contribute to cellular detoxification?
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Which structure acts as an anchor for organelles and assists in their movement within the cell?
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What unique feature does the nucleus of the cell provide?
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What distinguishes the nuclear envelope from other cellular membranes?
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What is the primary role of cilia in the cell?
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Which cellular structure is directly involved in generating microtubules?
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During cell division, what happens to chromatin?
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What is the primary function of mitochondria in the cell?
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Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis?
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What distinguishes rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) from smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?
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What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in the cell?
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Which component of the cell cytoplasm is primarily made up of water and dissolved substances?
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Which function is associated with the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?
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What best describes the primary composition of the nucleus?
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What is the function of ribosomes that are free floating in the cytosol?
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What is the process by which water moves into Patient X’s cells due to a higher concentration of solutes inside the cells?
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Which type of transport mechanism is necessary for potassium ions to move into Patient X’s cells against their concentration gradient?
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In which compartment of the body is extraceullar fluid primarily located?
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What physiological condition is indicated by low sodium levels in Patient X?
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What mechanism allows the bulk transport of large molecules into cells?
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Which fluid component is found inside cells and contributes to cellular function?
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What happens to cells if they are placed in a hypotonic solution?
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What type of fluid is primarily involved in restoring electrolytes in Patient X?
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Study Notes
Cell Structure and Function
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The cell is the smallest living unit. The three main components are the cell (plasma) membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
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The cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid that suspends the organelles within the cell. It contains 90% water and various dissolved ions, amino acids, sugars, and lipids.
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Organelles are specialized structures within the cell that perform specific functions. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy through ATP formation. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
- The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes that plays a role in protein processing and lipid synthesis. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is studded with ribosomes and processes proteins.
- The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is responsible for synthesizing lipids, mobilizing glucose from glycogen, and storing calcium (in the form of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells).
- The Golgi apparatus is the distribution center of the cell. It receives proteins from the RER, prepares them for distribution within or outside the cell, and distributes them through vesicles.
Cellular Recycling and Detoxification
- Lysosomes are the recycling centers of the cell. They contain digestive enzymes that break down toxic substances and waste products.
- Peroxisomes are membranous sacs that contain oxidase enzymes. They are involved in detoxification and break down harmful hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Cell Support and Movement
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Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules provide structural support and facilitate movement within the cell. Microfilaments strengthen the cell surface, resist compression, and assist in cell movement (e.g., skeletal muscle). Intermediate filaments provide internal strength and resist pulling forces. Microtubules anchor organelles, position them, and move them within the cell.
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Centrosomes are the "center of the cell". They consist of two centrioles and microtubules, generating microtubules and mitotic spindles during cell division.
The Nucleus
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The nucleus is the "brain" of the cell. It contains the genetic material (DNA) and regulates the entry and exit of substances. Some cells lack a nucleus (e.g., mature red blood cells), while others have multiple nuclei (e.g., skeletal muscle cells). The nucleus is enclosed by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope.
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The nucleolus is located within the nucleus. It forms ribosome components, which then leave the nucleus and assemble fully.
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Chromatin is located within the nucleus. It is composed of DNA and histone proteins, which organize the DNA.
Cell Extensions
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Cilia are short, hair-like projections that move substances along the cell surface. They are generated by centrioles and are made up of microtubules.
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Flagella are longer, tail-like projections that propel the cell. They are generated by centrioles and are mainly composed of microtubules. Sperm cells are the only human cells with a flagellum.
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Microvilli are small, finger-like projections that increase the surface area of specialized plasma membranes. They are involved in absorption and are common in cells of the digestive tract.
The Plasma Membrane
- The plasma membrane is a lipid bilayer that surrounds the cell. It separates the extracellular and intracellular environments and is selectively permeable, regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Transport Across the Plasma Membrane
- Passive transport moves substances down a concentration gradient (high to low) without requiring energy. Examples include simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion (carrier-mediated and channel-mediated), and osmosis.
- Active transport moves substances up a concentration gradient (low to high) and requires energy. Examples include primary active transport (using ATP directly) and secondary active transport (using the energy released from another molecule moving down its gradient).
- Bulk transfer involves the movement of large amounts of substances across the membrane. Endocytosis brings substances into the cell, while exocytosis releases substances from the cell.
Body Fluid Compartments
- Intracellular fluid (ICF) is the fluid found inside the cell.
- Extracellular fluid (ECF) is the fluid found outside the cell. It includes interstitial fluid (surrounding the cells) and plasma (the fluid component of blood).
Clinical Application
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Dehydration is a condition where the body loses more fluids than it takes in.
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Hyponatremia is a low sodium level in the blood.
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Hypokalemia is a low potassium level in the blood.
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Electrolyte imbalance occurs when there is an abnormal concentration of electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium) in the body fluids.
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Intravenous fluids are fluids administered directly into the bloodstream to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during dehydration.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental components of cells, including the membrane, cytoplasm, and organelles like mitochondria and ribosomes. Understand the roles of the endoplasmic reticulum in protein processing and lipid synthesis. This quiz covers key concepts in cell biology.