Cellular Properties Quiz

Study Notes

Serves as a barrier, composed of a lipid bilayer primarily consisting of phospholipids and cholesterol.
Phospholipids make up 75%, featuring a polar hydrophilic head and nonpolar hydrophobic tails.
Cholesterol constitutes 20% of the membrane, helping to stabilize its structure.

Divided into integral and peripheral proteins.
Integral proteins are amphipathic and often transmembrane proteins; include glycoproteins with carbohydrate groups contributing to the glycocalyx.
Glycocalyx plays a role in cell-specific identification, immune response, cell adhesion, and protection against dehydration.

Contains all cellular contents, consisting of cytosol and organelles.
Cytosol is the intracellular fluid, making up 55% of total cell volume and comprising 75-90% water, along with ions, glucose, amino acids, proteins, lipids, ATP, and waste.

Cytoskeleton: Composed of protein filaments (microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules) for support and movement.
Centrosome: Contains two centrioles essential for cell division and microtubule formation.
Ribosomes: Sites for protein synthesis, producing proteins for insertion in the plasma membrane, export, or organelles.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Network of membranes with two forms; rough ER (RER) synthesizes phospholipids and proteins, while smooth ER (SER) synthesizes fatty acids and steroids.
Golgi Complex: Functions in protein transport, processing proteins synthesized by ribosomes on the RER.
Lysosomes: Formed from the Golgi complex, they contain digestive enzymes to break down waste and cellular debris.
Proteasomes: Degrade unneeded, damaged, or faulty proteins using proteases; associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for ATP generation through cellular respiration.

Microfilaments: Made of actin, involved in muscle contraction, cell division, and migration.
Intermediate Filaments: Provide stabilization and mechanical support to cells.
Microtubules: Composed of tubulin, essential for cell shape, movement of secretory vesicles, and chromosome separation during cell division.

Blood cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, and immune cells represent diverse functional roles in the body, showcasing the specialization of cellular structures.

Cilia: Hair-like structures that aid in movement and fluid transport across the cell surface.
Flagella: Longer whip-like structures that propel cells, particularly in sperm cells.