Human Body Cells

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

To selectively allow certain substances to move in and out of the cell (correct)

To provide energy for the cell

To manufacture proteins and chemicals

To create new life

What is the main difference between integral proteins and peripheral proteins?

Integral proteins are involved in cell signaling, while peripheral proteins are involved in molecule transferase

Integral proteins are involved in enzyme function, while peripheral proteins are involved in communication

Integral proteins are permanently attached to the plasma membrane, while peripheral proteins are temporarily attached (correct)

Integral proteins are involved in transporting molecules, while peripheral proteins are involved in cell receptors

What is the function of peripheral proteins involved in molecule transferase?

To pass messages to integral proteins

To break down molecules

To maintain the intracellular cytoskeleton

To transfer electrons from integral proteins to other proteins and molecules (correct)

What is the role of cells in an organism?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of integral proteins involved in transporting molecules?

To channel or transport molecules across the membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of peripheral proteins involved in supported function?

To maintain both the intracellular cytoskeleton and components of the extracellular matrix Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of peripheral proteins involved in enzyme function?

To break down or combine molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cells in homeostasis?

To maintain a state of equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of integral proteins involved in cell receptors?

To act as cell receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of peripheral proteins involved in communication?

To pass messages to integral proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is commonly thought of as the control centre of the cell?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Lipid synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lysosomes?

Breaking down and digesting unneeded cellular components Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of cytoplasm?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mitochondria?

Producing energy currency of the cell, ATP Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Protein synthesis and modification Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of a cell digesting its own structures?

Autophagy Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleus?

Storing genetic instructions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ribosomes?

Protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Mitochondrial DNA?

Passed from mother to offspring Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the rough ER in protein synthesis?

To synthesize proteins and add sugars to them Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Golgi apparatus?

To sort, modify, and ship proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the tissue that forms the sheets of cells that cover exterior surfaces of the body?

Epithelial tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of connective tissue?

To protect and support the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of muscle tissue that allows it to respond to stimulation?

Excitability Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the matrix in connective tissue?

To play a major role in the functioning of the tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the cells that propagate information via electrochemical impulses in nervous tissue?

Neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the process by which sugars are added to proteins in the rough ER?

Glycosylation Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main classes of cells that make up nervous tissue?

Neurons and neuroglia Signup and view all the answers

How many types of tissue are there in the human body?

4 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cells of the Body

Cells are the fundamental units of life, providing structure, stability, energy, and means of reproduction for an organism.
The size and shape of a cell depend on its function, which can include:
- Transporting gases like O2 and CO2
- Fighting disease-causing viruses and bacteria
- Producing movement
- Storing nutrients
- Manufacturing protein, chemicals, or liquids
- Maintaining homeostasis (a state of equilibrium)
- Creating new life

Basic Structure of a Cell

Cell membrane: a protective barrier that selectively allows certain substances to move in and out when needed.
Two types of proteins associated with the cell membrane:
- Integral proteins: permanently attached to the plasma membrane, with functions such as channeling or transporting molecules across the membrane, or acting as cell receptors.
- Peripheral proteins: temporarily attached to the plasma membrane, with functions such as:
  - Communication: passing messages to integral proteins
  - Enzymes: breaking down or combining molecules
  - Supported: maintaining intracellular cytoskeleton and components of the extracellular matrix
  - Molecule Transferase: transferring electrons from integral proteins, storing energy from glycolysis breakdown into accessible molecules (ATP)

Nucleus

The nucleus is the control center of the cell, governing cell function and storing genetic instructions for protein manufacturing.
Inside the nucleus, DNA contains the blueprint for everything a cell will do and all the products it will make.
The nucleus sends "commands" to the cell via molecular messengers that translate DNA information.

Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane, comprising mostly water and dissolved nutrients.
Components of cytoplasm include:
- Cytosol (a gel-like substance)
- Organelles (internal sub-structures)
- Cytoplasmic inclusions

Lysosome

Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down and digest unneeded cellular components, such as damaged organelles (autophagy).
Lysosomes also break down foreign material, like bacteria, which are phagocytized by immune defense cells.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are the "powerhouse of the cell," producing energy (ATP) through respiration and regulating cellular metabolism.
Mitochondria have additional functions, such as storing calcium and producing heat.
Mitochondrial DNA is a small, circular chromosome passed from mother to offspring.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exists in two forms: rough ER and smooth ER.
Rough ER (RER) has ribosomes attached, synthesizing proteins for the cell membrane or export from the cell.
Smooth ER (SER) lacks ribosomes and is involved in:
- Lipid synthesis (phospholipids, steroid hormones)
- Calcium storage and regulation
- Detoxification of certain toxins
- Carbohydrate metabolism

Golgi Apparatus

The Golgi apparatus sorts, modifies, and ships products from the rough ER, similar to a post office.
Products are packaged into vesicles, which then migrate to the cell surface and release their cargo.

Types of Tissue

There are four main types of tissue:
- Epithelial tissue
- Connective tissue
- Muscle tissue
- Nervous tissue

Epithelial Tissue

Epithelial tissue forms sheets of cells covering the body's exterior surfaces, lining internal cavities and passageways, and forming glands.
Epithelial tissue is also found in skin, airways, digestive tract, urinary and reproductive systems, and hollow organs.

Connective Tissue

Connective tissue binds cells and organs together, providing protection, support, and integration.
Connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix, which plays a major role in the tissue's function.

Muscle Tissue

Muscle tissue is excitable, responding to stimulation and contracting to provide movement.
There are three main types of muscle tissue: skeletal (voluntary), smooth, and cardiac.

Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue is excitable, allowing for electrochemical signal propagation and communication between body regions.
Nervous tissue consists of two main cell types: neurons and neuroglia.

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Description

Explore the fundamental units of life, their functions, and importance in the human body. Learn about the different types of cells and their roles in providing structure, energy, and reproduction.