Physiology 1 Module 1 Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of ATP in the body?

To act as the main energy currency (correct)

To store genetic information

To transport oxygen in the blood

To facilitate digestion

Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?

In the cytosol (correct)

In the nucleus

In the rough endoplasmic reticulum

In the mitochondria

What happens during pyruvate decarboxylation?

NADH is converted back to NAD+

ATP is produced directly from glucose

Two carbon dioxide molecules are removed (correct)

Glucose is converted into fructose

How many ATP molecules are produced in total from one complete cycle of the citric acid cycle?

4 ATP Signup and view all the answers

What is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain?

Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the electron transport chain?

To convert ADP to ATP via oxidative phosphorylation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the roles of NADH and FADH2?

Both donate electrons to the electron transport chain Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the plasma membrane primarily composed of?

A bilayer of lipids Signup and view all the answers

What functional role does the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane emphasize?

It facilitates the movement of molecules in and out of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of protein is involved in communication and signaling within the cell membrane?

Receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of desmosomes in tissue structure?

To anchor adjacent cells that do not touch. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the extracellular matrix provides tensile strength?

Collagen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of tight junctions?

They create impermeable barriers between cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule is most abundant in the extracellular matrix and aids in cell adhesion?

Fibronectin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes gap junctions?

They form channels that allow direct communication between adjacent cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of interstitial fluid in the cellular environment?

To facilitate passive transport of nutrients and waste. Signup and view all the answers

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

To direct protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What role do lysosomes play in the cell?

Breaking down organic molecules Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for the detoxification of waste products?

Peroxisomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Golgi complex?

Modifying, packaging, and distributing proteins Signup and view all the answers

What structure provides highways for transport of secretory vesicles within the cell?

Microtubules Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cytoskeletal component is most crucial for muscle contraction?

Microfilaments Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of mitochondria in cells?

Production of ATP Signup and view all the answers

Which structure organizes microtubules to form flagella and cilia?

Centrioles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Structure and Function

All cells comprise a nucleus, cytosol, and plasma membrane (PM).
Plasma membrane is a lipid bilayer that selectively controls molecular movement.
The nucleus houses genetic material, directing protein synthesis.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) packages secretory products into transport vesicles, which move to the Golgi apparatus.
Rough ER synthesizes proteins for secretion or incorporation into the PM.
Golgi complex modifies, packages, and distributes newly synthesized proteins.
Lysosomes contain powerful hydrolytic enzymes for breaking down organic molecules.
Peroxisomes perform oxidative detoxification of waste products and foreign compounds.

Organelles and their Functions

Mitochondria possess a double membrane with inner foldings (cristae) that create a matrix; they produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Centrioles organize microtubules at right angles, forming structures like cilia and flagella for cell movement.
Vaults transport cargo from the nucleus to the plasma membrane, involving the cytoskeleton.
Microtubules are hollow tubes made from tubulin, serving as highways for vesicle transport and forming structural components of flagella; they play a role in cell division.
Microfilaments, the smallest cytoskeletal elements made of actin and myosin, are essential for muscle contraction and shape changes in cells.
Intermediate filaments are irregular threadlike proteins providing mechanical stress resistance.

Cellular Metabolism

Intermediary metabolism involves degradation, synthesis, and transformation of small organic molecules; it includes anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking down) reactions.
ATP serves as the body's primary energy currency, produced through high-energy phosphate bonds.

Energy Production Pathways

Glycolysis, occurring in the cytosol, breaks down glucose to produce 2 pyruvates, yielding 2 ATP and 2 NADH.
Pyruvate decarboxylation converts pyruvate into acetyl-CoA while releasing CO2, which is exhaled.
The Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle) occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, processing acetyl-CoA and producing CO2, ATP, NADH, and FADH2.
The Electron Transport Chain takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane; electrons from NADH and FADH2 are transferred to oxygen, driving ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.

Plasma Membrane Structure

The plasma membrane consists of a lipid bilayer that separates intracellular fluid from extracellular fluid, regulating molecular passage.
Comprised of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, contributing to its fluid mosaic model.
Proteins embedded in the membrane provide channels for water-soluble molecules, carrier proteins, and docking markers for vesicles.
Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) enhance tissue cohesion, functioning like Velcro, and are vital in cellular communication.

Extracellular Matrix

The extracellular matrix contains fibrous proteins in a gel-like medium composed of complex carbohydrates, facilitating nutrient and waste diffusion.
Collagen fibers provide tensile strength and are the most abundant protein by weight in the matrix.
Elastin endows tissues with rubber-like properties, allowing stretching and recoiling.
Fibronectin supports cell adhesion and stabilizes positions in epithelial tissues.

Special Junctions

Desmosomes anchor adjacent but non-touching cells, providing strong connections where stretching occurs.
Tight junctions create impermeable seals between cells, primarily found in epithelial tissue sheets.
Gap junctions consist of connexons between adjacent cells, allowing communication channels to facilitate intercellular signaling.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of Physiology 1 at York University. This quiz covers essential information about cell structures, including the nucleus, cytosol, and plasma membrane. Test your knowledge on how these components interact and their functions within the cell.