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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of red blood cells?
Which membrane proteins are responsible for distinguishing the identity of neighboring cells?
What defines a group of identical cells organized together?
What type of protein facilitates the controlled movement of substances without using energy?
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Which type of cell is primarily responsible for transmitting information in the nervous system?
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What component of the plasma membrane allows for selective permeability?
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What process is used when energy (ATP) is required to transfer materials across the membrane?
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What is the primary function of epithelial cells?
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How do endocrine cells differ from exocrine cells in their method of secretion?
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What is the role of exocrine cells in the human body?
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Study Notes
Physiology
- The study of the function of living organisms
- Explains mechanisms at all levels from cells to integrated behavior of the whole body
- Focuses on how the body adapts
- Helps to understand disease and develop new treatments
Cell Structure and Function
- There are about 200 different types of specialized cells in the human body
- Similar structural organization and metabolic needs
- Identical cells organized together form a tissue (e.g. muscle tissue, nervous tissue)
- Tissues organized together form organs (e.g. stomach, skin, brain)
Specialized Cells
- Nerve Cells (Neurons): Process and transmit information
- Epithelial cells: Cover external surfaces and line internal cavities
- Exocrine cells: Secrete products through ducts (e.g. mucus, sweat)
- Endocrine cells: Secrete products into the bloodstream (e.g. hormones)
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Blood Cells:
- Red blood cells: Transport oxygen
- White blood cells: Fight infections
Cellular Organization
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Cell membrane: Double phospholipid layer
- Separates the cell from the environment
- Controls movement of substances into and out of the cell
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Types of membrane proteins:
- Channel proteins: Facilitated diffusion - no energy required
- Transport proteins: Active transport - requires energy (ATP)
- Recognition proteins: Cell identification
- Adhesion proteins: Cell to cell attachment
- Receptor proteins: Bind hormones or trigger molecules
- Electron transfer proteins: Move electrons during chemical reactions
- Cytoplasm: The gel-like substance inside the cell membrane
- Nucleus: Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA)
Transport Across the Cell Membrane
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Passive Transport: No energy required, movement down a concentration gradient
- Bulk flow: Collective movement of substances in response to force (e.g. pressure)
- Simple diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration
- Facilitated diffusion: Movement through channel proteins down a concentration gradient
- Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane
- Dialysis: Diffusion of solutes across a selectively permeable membrane
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Active Transport: Requires energy (ATP)
- Protein Pumps: Move solutes against a concentration gradient (e.g., Na+, K+, Cl-, H+)
- Sodium-potassium pump: Moves sodium out of and potassium into the cell
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Vesicular Transport: Movement of large molecules or particles
- Exocytosis: Release of contents from the cell
- Endocytosis: Taking in substances from outside the cell
Cell Junctions
- Desmosomes: Provide mechanical strength to tissues
- Tight junctions: Prevent passage of ions and molecules between cells
- Gap junctions: Allow for molecular passage between cells
Cell Metabolism
- Metabolism: All chemical reactions in the body
- Catabolism: Energy releasing process (breakdown of molecules)
- Anabolism: Energy consuming process (building of molecules)
Energy Rich Molecules
- ATP: Energy carrying molecule found in all living cells
- FAD: A cofactor for enzymes involved in red blood cell function
- NADH: Important for energy production through redox reactions
Cellular Respiration
- Energy releasing process where glucose is broken down into ATP
- Glycolysis: Glucose is broken down into pyruvate
- Krebs cycle: (aerobic) Pyruvate is oxidized to produce ATP and electron carriers
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Description
Test your knowledge on the functions of living organisms and the specific structures of specialized cells in the human body. Explore how different types of cells contribute to tissues and organs, and understand the physiological mechanisms that maintain health and adapt to disease. This quiz is essential for anyone studying biology or medical sciences.
