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Anatomy & Physiology: Cell Structure and Function

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  • Cell Theory

    All living things are made of cells. The cell is the basic unit of life. Cells come from preexisting cells.

  • Plasma Membrane Composition

    Made of a phospholipid bilayer, proteins, carbohydrates, and cholesterol.

  • Phospholipid Bilayer Properties

    Hydrophilic heads face water; hydrophobic tails avoid water, forming a selective barrier.

  • Functions of Plasma Membrane

    Selectively permeable, provides protection, and enables communication between cells.

  • Role of Cholesterol in Membrane

    Stiffens and stabilizes the membrane and decreases water permeability.

  • Functions of Membrane Carbohydrates

    Act as cell identity markers and aid in cell recognition.

  • Types of Membrane Proteins

    Channel proteins, carrier proteins, and receptor proteins determine membrane functions.

  • Simple Diffusion

    Movement of molecules from high to low concentration without ATP. Examples: O₂, CO₂, steroids.

  • Osmosis

    Diffusion of water toward areas with higher solute concentration or lower water concentration.

  • Facilitated Diffusion

    Movement from high to low concentration using channel or carrier proteins without ATP.

  • Active Transport

    Moves substances from low to high concentration using ATP.

  • Sodium-Potassium Pump

    For each ATP, pumps 3 Na⁺ out and 2 K⁺ in to maintain cell potential.

  • Filtration

    Movement of substances caused by pressure, e.g., in kidneys and capillaries.

  • Nucleus Functions

    Control center housing DNA, stores genetic info, and controls protein synthesis.

  • Ribosomes Function

    Site of protein synthesis; they make proteins.

  • Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

    Has ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis and transport.

  • Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

    Involved in lipid metabolism, making lipids and steroids, and detoxification.

  • Golgi Apparatus Functions

    Modifies, packages, and sorts proteins and lipids; forms transport vesicles.

  • Mitochondria Function

    Produces ATP via cellular respiration; known as the powerhouse of the cell.

  • Cytoskeleton Components

    Microfilaments (actin) for cell shape and movement; microtubules (tubulin) for transport and mitosis.

  • Centrioles Function

    Organize spindle fibers during cell division.

  • Cilia vs Flagella

    Cilia are short and numerous, moving substances across the cell surface; flagella are long and move the entire cell.

  • Microvilli Function

    Increase surface area to enhance absorption, e.g., in small intestine and kidney tubules.

  • Cytoplasm vs Extracellular Fluid

    Cytoplasm is the watery environment inside the cell; extracellular fluid is outside the cell.

  • Protein Synthesis: Transcription

    DNA is copied into mRNA inside the nucleus.

  • Protein Synthesis: Translation

    mRNA is used to build proteins at the ribosomes.

  • Cellular Respiration Equation

    Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP; occurs in mitochondria to produce energy.

  • Cell Cycle Definition

    Series of changes a cell undergoes from formation until reproduction.

  • Interphase Phases

    G1: cell growth; S: DNA replication; G2: final prep for division.

  • Mitosis Overview

    Produces 2 genetically identical daughter cells with 46 chromosomes each; phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

  • Meiosis Overview

    Produces 4 nonidentical gametes with 23 chromosomes each for sexual reproduction.

  • Phagocytosis

    Cell "eating" where the cell engulfs large particles, e.g., macrophages.