Introduction to Physiology and Cell Structure

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Questions and Answers

What role do mitochondria play in the nervous system?

They modify proteins for synaptic transmission.

They generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for electrochemical gradients. (correct)

They store genetic material critical for neuron function.

They produce neurotransmitters.

Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly associated with mitochondrial disease?

Increased hair growth (correct)

Problems with vision or hearing

Loss of muscle coordination

Learning disabilities

Which mechanism is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction?

Increased ATP synthesis

Elevated antioxidant production

Enhanced synaptic plasticity

Membrane leakage and electrolyte imbalances (correct)

Which condition is thought to involve mitochondrial dysfunction?

Bipolar disorder Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if mitochondria do not function correctly?

A range of medical problems may occur Signup and view all the answers

What is physiology primarily concerned with?

The normal functioning of living organisms and their parts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about eukaryotic cells?

They contain membrane-bound organelles. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is primarily responsible for energy production in the cell?

Mitochondrion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus in the cell?

Modification and sorting of proteins Signup and view all the answers

Where is DNA found within a eukaryotic cell?

In the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes membranous organelles from non-membranous organelles?

Membranous organelles have their own plasma membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What role do non-membranous organelles play in a cell?

Support and structure Signup and view all the answers

What component is NOT part of the organelles typically found in a eukaryotic cell?

Capsule Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the nucleus in a cell?

Control and regulation of cellular activities and gene storage Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

It serves multiple roles including calcium storage, protein synthesis, and lipid metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) from smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER)?

rER has ribosomes on its surface, while sER does not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nuclear pores?

To allow substances to enter and exit the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

How does smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) contribute to detoxification?

By modifying cholesterol and adding hydroxyl groups to compounds Signup and view all the answers

What connects the nuclear envelope to the endoplasmic reticulum?

A thin space between the nuclear envelope layers Signup and view all the answers

Which type of endoplasmic reticulum is primarily responsible for producing steroid hormones?

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of transcription and translation in the nucleus and ER?

They transform DNA into proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Which cellular process is mainly responsible for producing ATP in mitochondria?

Krebs cycle Signup and view all the answers

What role do mitochondria play in apoptosis?

Deciding which cells to destroy Signup and view all the answers

What is non-shivering thermogenesis primarily associated with?

Heat generation by mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

How do mitochondria assist in regulating calcium levels in cells?

By absorbing and releasing calcium ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary substance that mitochondria are known to generate?

ATP Signup and view all the answers

What structural characteristic of mitochondria allows them to form networks?

Constant division and fusion Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason heart muscle cells have a high number of mitochondria?

High demand for energy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the peroxisomes is true?

They are involved in the elimination of H2O2. Signup and view all the answers

What is the unique structural feature of the inner mitochondrial membrane?

It is impermeable to most molecules. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of cell are mitochondria spiraled in the midpiece to provide energy for motion?

Sperm cells Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is essential for apoptosis as facilitated by mitochondria?

Caspase Signup and view all the answers

Which metabolic process occurs in both peroxisomes and mitochondria?

Fatty acid oxidation Signup and view all the answers

What role do cristae play in mitochondria?

They increase the membrane surface area for chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is responsible for synthesizing plasmalogens, important for heart and brain tissues?

Peroxisomes Signup and view all the answers

What is contained in the matrix of the mitochondria?

Mitochondrial DNA and enzymes Signup and view all the answers

How do the number of mitochondria vary among different cell types?

Liver cells can have over 2,000 mitochondria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

Transporting, modifying, and packaging proteins and lipids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the pathway proteins take through the Golgi apparatus?

Proteins can be sent to the cytosol, cell membrane, secretion, or lysosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH level at which lysosomal enzymes function best?

Acidic pH of 5 Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT performed by lysosomes?

Cell division Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of lysosomal proteins?

They are only active in acidic pH environments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enzymes is NOT found in peroxisomes?

Lactate dehydrogenase Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the release of vesicles containing secretion proteins from the cell?

Accumulation of vesicles and a special chemical signal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of peroxisomes?

Digestion of macromolecules Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Slide 6 - Introduction to Physiology

Physiology is the study of how living organisms and their parts function, encompassing chemical and physical processes.
The body performs many processes simultaneously, including electrical signaling, blood circulation, urine filtration, digestion, and protein/fat synthesis.
These functions are all carried out by cells.

Slide 7 - Cells: The Basic Units of Life

Cells are the smallest unit of life, acting as specialized factories.
They are self-replicating, self-contained systems.
Cells are the building blocks of the body.
Two basic types of cells exist: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.
Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, while eukaryotic cells possess one.

Slide 8 - Cell Physiology

Cell physiology studies the processes within and between cells, as well as their interactions within larger systems.
This includes intracellular communication and behavior.

Slide 9 - Cell Structure: Cytoplasm and Nucleus

A cell is composed of two main regions; cytoplasm and nucleus.
The nucleus contains DNA in the chromosomes.
The cytoplasm surrounds the nucleus and encapsulates the cell's organelles.

Slide 10 - Organelles: Components Inside the Cell

Organelles perform essential functions, including energy production, protein synthesis, secretion, and toxin breakdown.
Some organelles are membrane-bound, creating a separate compartment from the cytoplasm (e.g., Nucleus, ER, Golgi, Mitochondria, Peroxisome, and Lysosome) others are not (e.g., filaments, microtubules, centrioles).

Slide 11 - Nucleus: The Control Center

The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA), the control centre of the cell.
It is the site of transcription, the initial step in protein synthesis.
The nucleus is enclosed by a nuclear envelope, which connects to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Nuclear pores permit passage between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Slide 12 - Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): A Network of Membranes

The ER is a large network of membranes with diverse roles, including calcium storage, protein synthesis, and lipid metabolism.
It exists in two forms: Rough ER (RER) and Smooth ER (SER).
RER has ribosomes attached, enhancing protein synthesis, while SER lacks ribosomes and plays a role in lipid production and detoxification.

Slide 13 - Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) Functions

SER in the liver plays a role in detoxifying substances.
Adrenocortical and certain Testicular or Ovarian cells in the endocrine system use SER to produce steroid hormones.
Detoxification often involves adding hydroxyl groups, making substances more water-soluble for excretion.

Slide 14 - Golgi Apparatus: Processing and Packaging

The Golgi apparatus processes, modifies, and packages proteins and lipids from the ER.
It directs molecules to their final destinations within or outside the cell.

Slide 15 - Lysosomes: The Cell's Recycling Center

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes for breaking down molecules, organelles, and foreign substances.
These enzymes function best within the acidic pH of lysosomes.
If lysosomes leak, the enzymes become inactive, protecting the cell.
Lysosomes function in breaking down macromolecules, repairing cell membranes and in cellular defense against foreign invaders.

Slide 16, 17 - Peroxisomes: Another type of microbody

Peroxisomes contain enzymes involved in a variety of metabolic reactions, mostly related to hydrogen peroxide reactions.
They play a role in lipid oxidation (fatty acid breakdown) and synthesis, which are vital energy source and the production of crucial phospholipids(necessary components for the cell membrane).

Slide 18 - Mitochondria: The Powerhouse

Mitochondria are double-membrane cell organelles.
They generate ATP via respiration, converting food energy into usable energy for the cell
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell. Crucial for generating energy.

Slide 19 - Mitochondrial Structure

Mitochondria have two membranes: an outer and an inner one.
The inner membrane folds into cristae, increasing surface area for chemical reactions.
The fluid-filled space inside the inner membrane is called the matrix.
Mitochondria contain their own DNA.

Slide 20 - Mitochondrial Variation

Different cell types have different numbers of mitochondria, depending on their energy needs.
Cells with high energy demands, such as muscle cells, have more mitochondria.

Slide 21 - Mitochondrial Functions

Mitochondrial function includes energy production via cellular respiration (converting food energy into ATP)
Mitochondria also play roles in apoptosis (programmed cell death), calcium storage, and heat production.

Slide 22 - Calcium Storage and Function

Mitochondria absorb and store calcium, releasing it as needed for various cellular processes (including muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, cell signaling, hormone regulation).
They regulate calcium's role to fulfill cellular requirements.

Slide 23 - Mitochondrial Diseases

Mitochondrial diseases stem from dysfunction, leading to a range of medical issues.
Symptoms range greatly across patients, touching multiple body systems (e.g., muscle problems, neurological or vision issues).

Slide 24, 25 - Types of Mitochondrial diseases and their origins.

Mitochondrial diseases are linked to problems with mitochondrial function and can result in various health issues.
Several neural disorders, such as and ischemic stroke also involve the dysfunction of the cellular respiration processes.

Slide 26 - Other conditions potentially implicating mitochondrial function.

Conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Huntington's disease, and diabetes are possible examples in which mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in physiology, focusing on the functions of living organisms and the fundamental role of cells. It explores the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the interactions and processes that occur within and between cells. Test your understanding of these essential biological principles!