Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells

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2:13 minutes

Problem 14

Textbook Question

A nerve cell and a lymphocyte are presumed to differ in their:
a. Specialized structure
b. Suppressed genes and embryonic history
c. Genetic information
d. a and b, e. a and c

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the question: The problem is asking about the differences between a nerve cell and a lymphocyte, focusing on their structure, genetic information, and developmental history.

Step 1: Recall that nerve cells (neurons) and lymphocytes are specialized cells with distinct functions. Neurons are involved in transmitting electrical signals in the nervous system, while lymphocytes are part of the immune system and help fight infections.

Step 2: Consider the specialized structure of each cell type. Neurons have unique features such as axons and dendrites for signal transmission, while lymphocytes have a simpler structure designed for immune responses.

Step 3: Reflect on suppressed genes and embryonic history. Both cell types originate from the same genetic material but differentiate during development due to gene suppression and activation, leading to their specialized functions.

Step 4: Evaluate genetic information. Both nerve cells and lymphocytes contain the same genetic information (DNA), but the expression of genes differs based on their specialized roles.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Specialized Structure

Nerve cells (neurons) and lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) have distinct specialized structures that enable them to perform their unique functions. Neurons possess long axons and dendrites for transmitting electrical signals, while lymphocytes have specific receptors for recognizing pathogens. These structural differences are crucial for their roles in the nervous and immune systems, respectively.

Gene Expression and Suppression

Gene expression refers to the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, typically proteins. In specialized cells like neurons and lymphocytes, certain genes are suppressed or activated based on the cell's function and type. This differential gene expression is essential for the development and specialization of these cells during embryonic development.

Genetic Information

Genetic information is encoded in the DNA of an organism and determines the characteristics of its cells. While all cells in an organism share the same genetic information, the way this information is expressed varies between cell types, leading to the formation of distinct cell types like neurons and lymphocytes. Understanding these differences is key to grasping how specialized functions arise from a common genetic blueprint.

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