Biology 112

Study Guide Exam 2

 

Chapter 3:  Cells

 

Cells: the basic structural & functional units of living things

-       plasma membrane: flexible outer surface of cell; selective barrier that regulates flow of materials into & out of cell – maintains internal environment

-       cytoplasm: all cellular contents between plasma membrane & nucleus

-       contains organelles: small, membrane-bounded bodies with a specific structure & function (e.g.: mitochondria, chloroplasts, lysosomes) in cytosol (semifluid medium between nucleus and plasma membrane)

-       nucleus: large organelle that stores DNA in the form of chromosomes containing genes

 

Cell membrane:  outer boundary of cells

-       phospholipid bilayer:  semipermeable and selectively permeable

-       functions in regulation of passage of molecules into and out of the cell

-       membrane components: 

-       phospholipids:  create bilayer

-       have polar & nonpolar parts

-       glycolipids:  protective function, and cell identity (specific for cell type)

-       cholesterol:  bulky; controls (reduces) permeability

-       proteins:  also glycoproteins; can be transmembrane (spans the entire membrane) or embedded in either the cytoplasmic or extracellular side of the membrane

-       glycoproteins (and glycolipids) function in cell-cell recognition (cell fingerprint); important in transplantation

 

Plasma Membrane is semipermeable and selectively permeable:  some molecules may pass through freely (e.g.: water); others must be assisted across

 

Types of Membrane Proteins:

Channel Proteins:  create transient hydrophilic channel for small molecules & ions to flow into & out of cell

Carrier Proteins:  selectively interact with small molecules or ions to assist them across the membrane

Cell Recognition Protein:  Cell Identity; individual-specific groups of proteins on extracellular side of membrane (e.g.: MHC/HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) – important to match with donor to avoid rejection of transplanted organ or tissue)

Receptor Protein:  Interacts with specific molecule to transmit some type of signal or communication (electrical, chemical or contact) between cells (e.g.:  hormone receptors)

Enzymatic Protein:  Catalyzes (speeds up) some specific reaction which results in a cellular response

Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs): guide interactions between cells

 

 

Cytosol: consists of cytoplasm (the fluid within the cell outside the nucleus) & organelles

 

Endoplasmic Reticulum: (ER)

-       Rough ER:  associated with ribosomes; proteins translated on ribosomes associated with the rough ER will be transported and/or secreted outside cell

-   begins processing & modification of these proteins

-       Smooth ER:  synthesizes phospholipids in all cells; various other cell type-specific functions

-   synthesizes steroid hormones in testes, and detoxifies drugs in liver cells

 

Ribosomes:  site of protein synthesis in the cell

-       free in cytoplasm (polyribosomes) or associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum

-       2 subunits (large & small); mRNA is threaded through subunits during translation (protein synthesis)

 

Golgi apparatus: completes modification of proteins from rough ER (proteins transported to Golgi in vesicles)

-       modification of proteins & lipids (addition of carbohydrate chains (glycosylation))

-       also transports organic molecules in vesicles; some become lysosomes

 

Mitochondria:  produces energy

-       site of cellular respiration (ATP production from carbohydrates)

-       also have folded membrane system (folds are cristae, inner fluid-filled space is the matrix)

-       extensive membrane systems are important in both chloroplasts and mitochondria for ATP production

 

Lysosomes:  vesicles with digestive enzymes to break down macromolecules & cell debris

-       loss of some or all lysosome function in inherited disorders (Tay-Sachs disease) may lead to accumulation of unwanted molecules (& related toxicity)

 

Peroxisomes are vesicles that contain enzymes for oxidizing certain organic molecules with the release of hydrogen peroxide (toxic, but breaks down into water & oxygen)

 

Cytoskeleton: composed of microfilaments, microtubules, & intermediate filaments

-       functions in maintaining shape of cell and movement of subcellular structures

-       microfilaments: thinnest elements of cytoskeleton; help generate movement & provide mechanical support

-       actin filaments combine with myosin in muscle cells to enable muscle movement

-       microtubules:  composed of tubulin dimers coiled into tubelike structures

-       concentrated & arranged as rings of nine doublets or triplets in centrioles, cilia, and flagella

-       microtubules involved in movement

 

Centrosome: located near nucleus; consists of centrioles & pericentriolar material

-       centrioles: cylindrical structures composed of 9 clusters of three microtubules (triplets) arranged in circular pattern

-       pericentriolar material consists of hundreds of tubulin complexes

-       involved in organization of spindle fibers for chromosome movement during mitosis

 

Cilia and Flagella: composed of microtubules (9 + 2 pattern); used in movement

-       Cilia present in some unicellular protists (Paramecium) and cells of respiratory tract in animals

-       Flagella present in some unicellular protists (Euglena) and sperm cells

 

Vesicles (vacuoles): membrane-bounded organelles for transport or storage

-       formed by cell membrane, ER or Golgi apparatus

 

Nucleus: stores genetic information in all eukaryotic cells

-       DNA is organized into distinct chromosomes

-       Chromosomes are packaged with proteins to form chromatin

-       dark regions within the nucleus are nucleoli (1 or more per cell)

-       within each nucleolus, ribosomal RNA is produced and joins with ribosomal proteins to form ribosomes

-       the nucleus is bounded by a porous membrane, the nuclear envelope, which regulates passage of molecules into & out of the nucleus

 

Plasma membrane transport:

Diffusion: movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration (down concentration gradient)

-       evenly distributes molecules in water (equilibrium)

-       lipid soluble molecules, gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) and water can diffuse across the plasma membrane

 

Facilitated Diffusion:  passage of small molecules (glucose, amino acids) across the plasma membrane even though they may not be lipid-soluble

-       a carrier protein assists movement of molecules down concentration gradient

-       no energy is required

 

Osmosis:  diffusion of water across a differentially permeable membrane (plasma membrane)

-   important in water retention

 

Tonicity: the strength (solute concentration) of a solution in relation to osmosis

-       in cells, the solute concentration of a solution with respect to that solute concentration inside the cell

-       isotonic (isoosmotic) solution: the net solute concentration of the solution equals that inside the cell

-       hypotonic (hypoosmotic) solution: the net solute concentration of the solution is less that inside the cell; animal cells swell (& eventually will burst – hemolysis)

-       hypertonic (hyperosmotic) solution: the net solute concentration of the solution is greater that inside the cell; animal cells shrink – crenation

 

Filtration: a pressure gradient pushes solute-containing fluid (filtrate) from area of high pressure to area of low pressure

-       forces water & solutes through membrane or capillary wall by hydrostatic pressure

 

Active Processes:

Active Transport:  movement of small molecules or ions across membrane assisted by carrier protein and against concentration gradient – from region of lower concentration to region of higher concentration

-       requires energy (ATP)

-       (e.g.:  sodium-potassium pump)

-       secondary active transport: uses energy derived from primary active transport to drive other substances across membrane

 

Vesicular (membrane-assisted) transport:

-       transport of macromolecules into or out of cell in vesicles

-       vesicle: small, spherical sac that has budded off existing membrane

-       requires energy

 

-       Exocytosis:  moves macromolecules out of cell through vesicles budding off plasma membrane

 

-       Endocytosis: moves macromolecules into cell through vesicles budding off plasma membrane

-       Phagocytosis: endocytosis of large food particles or invading cells (bacteria)

     -    Common in macrophages of the immune system

-       Pinocytosis (bulk-phase endocytosis):  endocytosis of a liquid or very small particles (sampling of extracellular environment)

-     Receptor-mediated endocytosis:  endocytosis involving a receptor protein and its ligand (molecule it binds)

-       receptor proteins cluster together in clathrin-coated pits

 

 

Cell Cycle: consists of Interphase and Mitosis

-       the time required for cell division is relatively constant for a given cell type of a given organism (usually between 14 and 24 hours)

 

Interphase:  consists of G1, S, and G2 stages.

-       DNA is replicated & cell synthesizes proteins for mitosis & cell division

 

Cell Division:

-       cell division involves nuclear division and cytokinesis (division of cytoplasm)

-       normally, most eukaryotic cells have two copies of each chromosome (2n, or diploid state); the 2 chromosomes of each pair are called homologous chromosomes or homologs

-       the reproductive cells (or gametes) have only one copy of each chromosome (n or haploid state)

-       human somatic cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes; gametes have 23 chromosomes

 

Mitosis: M stage

-       Prophase:  chromatin condenses and the nuclear membrane begins disintegration.

·      spindle fibers form to move chromosomes in cell

-       Metaphase:  Chromosomes align at metaphase plate attached to spindle fibers

-       Anaphase:  Chromosomes move toward opposite poles of the cell due to disassembly of spindle fibers

-       Telophase:  Chromosomes are at opposite poles of the cell; nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, and spindle disappears.  Cytokinesis beginsŠ

 

Cytokinesis: cells divide by means of a cleavage furrow

 

Cell Differentiation: specialization of a cell to carry out a specific function

-       stem cells: cells that retain the ability to divide without specialization

·      division of stem cells yields 2 stem cells or a stem cell & a progenitor cell

·      allow for growth & repair of tissues

-       progenitor cells: divide to produce mature cells within a tissue

·      can generally form a few different cell types

-       many organs (if not all) in an adult retain a few stem cells or progenitor cells for growth & repair

-       stem cells in bone marrow can produce red blood cells, white blood cells & platelets

-       specialization involves expression of different genes in different stem cells to produce different proteins (e.g.: muscle progenitor cells produce contractile proteins)

 

Cell Death

-       apoptosis: programmed cell death

·      DNA in chromosomes is chopped up and cell is fragmented into many vesicles; a scavenger cell then removes the remains

-       apoptosis is a normal part of development, rather than a result of injury or disease

-       in fetus, apoptosis removes immune cells that are not useful (e.g.: immune cells that may attack our own tissues) and extra brain cells

-       in adult, apoptosis may remove skin cells that have been burned (e.g.: sunburn)

 


Chapter 4:  Cellular Metabolism

 

Metabolic Reactions

-       metabolism: all chemical reactions occurring in cells & necessary to maintain life

o      anabolism: reactions that build up molecules (larger molecules are built from smaller molecules); generally requires energy

§       dehydration synthesis is used to join 2 molecules

§       dehydration synthesis: a bond is formed between 2 molecules with removal of water

§       when 2 monosaccharides are joined to form a disaccharide, an –OH is removed from 1 monosacchraide and an –H is removed from the other; the –OH and –H join to form water (H2O)

§       fatty acids are joined to glycerol by dehydration synthesis

§       amino acids are joined to form a dipeptide by dehydration synthesis (a peptide bond is formed)

o      catabolism: reactions that break down molecules (larger molecules are broken down into smaller molecules); often releases energy

§       hydrolysis is used to break apart 2 molecules

§       hydrolysis: a bond is broken between 2 molecules by addition of water

§       hydrolysis is the opposite of dehydration synthesis

§       when a disaccharide is hydrolyzed to form 2 monosaccharides, water is split and an –OH is added to 1 monosacchraide and an –H is added to the other

 

Control of Metabolic Reactions

Enzymes: increase the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering its activation energy

-       enzymes are almost always composed of proteins

-       enzymes are organic catalysts (catalysts speed up chemical reactions)

-       enzyme reacts with a specific substrate to form a specific product; the part of an enzyme molecule where the substrate binds is called the active site

-       enzymes bind to substrates based on shape (lock & key mechanism)

-       example: the enzyme catalase binds to hydrogen peroxide (the substrate) at its active site & speeds its conversion into water & oxygen (the products)

-       often assist each step of a metabolic pathway

-       enzymes are not changed by chemical reaction (usually)

-       enzyme activity increases with increased concentration of enzyme or substrate

-       enzymes (like other proteins) can be denatured by heat, chemicals, altered pH...

-       many enzymes require a nonprotein cofactor; an organic cofactor is called a coenzyme

 

Energy for Metabolic Reactions

Energy: the capacity to do work (change or move matter)

-       energy forms: heat, light, sound, electrical energy, mechanical energy, chemical energy

-       most metabolic reactions use chemical energy (ATP)

-       chemical energy is released when chemical bonds are broken

-       heat (burning molecules) breaks chemical bonds to release energy

-       oxidation: addition of oxygen (or removal of hydrogen/electrons)

-       glucose oxidation in cellular respiration releases energy for cellular reactions

-       enzymes reduce the large amounts of energy required for oxidation during cellular respiration

 

Cellular Respiration:  the complete breakdown of glucose to carbon dioxide and water

-       includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle & the electron transport chain

-       electrons captured move through the electron transport chain to provide energy to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

-       glucose metabolism is an oxidation-reduction reaction.  Glucose is oxidized and oxygen is reduced

 

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

-       ATP is a nucleotide that provides energy for most of the chemical reactions occurring within cells

-       energy is released when the terminal phosphate is hydrolyzed (cleaved by addition of water)

-       the overall reaction is:  ATP  Þ  ADP  +  P  +  Energy (7.4 kcal/mole ATP)

-       energy released from this reaction is used to drive forward energy absorbing reactions in cells

 

Glycolysis:  the breakdown of glucose (6C) to 2 pyruvate (3C) molecules

-   net gain of 2 ATP molecules (4 produced, 2 used)

-   no oxygen is required – anaerobic phase of cellular respiration

 

Aerobic respiration: included citric acid cycle & electron transport chain

-       38 molecules of ATP can be produced from 1 glucose molecule (2 from glycolysis)

-       oxidative phosphorylation: uses oxidation to add phosphates to ADP to form ATP

-       releases heat & form carbon dioxide & water

-       oxygen is final electron acceptor – combines with hydrogens & electrons to form water

 

Genetic information

-       gene: sequence of DNA used to form a polypeptide (contains the code for a ploypeptide)

-       genome: all the DNA within the nucleus of a cell

 

DNA Synthesis

DNA replication is carried out by the enzyme DNA Polymerase, as well as some additional protein factors

-       DNA helicase unwinds the double helix in preparation for replication

-       DNA Polymerase has a proofreading activity to correct replication errors (adding the wrong base).  The corrected error rate (after proofreading) is 1 in 1 billion bases

-       DNA replication is semiconservative: each newly replicated DNA molecule consists of 1 old strand from the original double- stranded DNA molecule, and 1 newly synthesized strand

 

 

Gene Expression:

Transcription: DNA is transcribed to RNA in the nucleus

-       3 types of RNA can be made:

-       mRNA (messenger RNA): directs the synthesis of a protein

-       rRNA (ribosomal RNA): rRNA along with proteins comprise the structure of the 2 subunits of the ribosome

-       tRNA (transfer RNA): binds to an amino acid & delivers it to the ribosome during protein synthesis; has anticodon that binds to mRNA codon

-       transcription is carried out by a 5¹ to 3¹ RNA Polymerase, as well as additional protein factors

 

Translation: mature mRNA is translated to protein in the cytoplasm

-       translation occurs at the ribosomes

-       many ribosomes may synthesize protein from the same mRNA molecule at the same time (polyribosomes)

-       tRNA molecules carry amino acids to the ribosome during translation (a tRNA for each amino acid)

-       ribosome subunits associate immediately prior to translation, and dissociate following translation

-       codon: sequence of 3 nucleotides in mRNA that specify 1 amino acid in a polypeptide

-       3:1 ratio for # nucleotides in mRNA : # amino acids in polypeptide

-       ribosomes bind mRNA and begin translation, usually, at the first AUG (start) codon

-       one of 3 stop codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signals the ribosome to stop translation of the mRNAŠ following translation, a release factor cleaves the complete polypeptide from the last tRNA and the ribosome, and the polypeptide leaves the ribosome

 


Chapter 5:  Tissues

 

Epithelial Tissue (epithelium): a sheet of cells that lines a body cavity or covers a body surface

-         covering & lining epithelium: skin & lining of body cavities

-         glandular epithelium: forms glands

-         many functions: protection, absorption, secretion, excretion, filtration, sensory reception

-         capable of regeneration

-         epithelial tissue is avascular

-         basement membrane: anchors epithelium to underlying connective tissue; part of extracellular matrix

 

Classification of Epithelia:

-         squamous (flattened), cuboidal (cube-shaped), & columnar (column-shaped) cells

-         simple (1 layer) or stratified (multiple layers)

 

Simple Squamous Epithelial Tissue: single layer of flattened cells with disc-shaped nuclei & little cytoplasm

-         locations: in kidney glomeruli, air sacs of lungs, heart lining, blood vessels & lymphatic vessels, lining of ventral body cavity

-         functions: diffusion & filtration; secretes lubricating substances in serosae

 

Simple Cuboidal Epithelial Tissue: single layer of cube-shaped cells with large spherical nuclei; often seen in circular pattern when cut in cross section

-         locations: in kidney tubules, ducts of small glands, ovary surface

-         functions: secretion & absorption

 

Simple Columnar Epithelial Tissue: single layer of column-shaped cells with oval nuclei; some have cilia or microvilli; may include goblet cells

-         locations: nonciliated in most of digestive tract, gallbladder & excretory ducts of some glands; ciliated in small bronchi, some regions of uterus

-         functions: absorption, secretion of mucus, enzymes...; ciliated propels mucus, reproductive cells

 

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelial Tissue: single layer of mostly column-shaped cells with different heights (some don't reach apical surface) & nuclei at different levels; some have cilia; may include goblet cells

-         locations: nonciliated in male sperm-carrying ducts & ducts of large glands; ciliated type lines trachea & most of upper respiratory tract

-         functions: secretion & propulsion of mucus

 

Stratified Squamous Epithelial Tissue: multiple layers; basal layer cuboidal or columnar - carry out metabolism & mitosis; outer layers are keratinized

-         locations: nonkeratinized in most of digestive tract, gallbladder & excretory ducts of some glands; keratinized in epidermis of skin

-         functions: protects underlying tissues

 

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelial Tissue: several layers – lines lumen of ducts/tubes

-         locations: ovarian follicles, seminiferous tubules & some large ducts of glands (mammary, sweat, salivary, pancreatic)

-         functions: protection, secretion

 

Stratified Columnar Epithelial Tissue: several layers - basal layer usually cuboidal

-         locations: male urethra & vas deferens; parts of pharynx

-         functions: protection, secretion

 

Transitional Epithelial Tissue: several layers - basal layer cuboidal or columnar; surface cells dome-shaped or squamous-like (depending on stretch)

-         locations: ureters, bladder & part of urethra

-         functions: stretches & distends urinary organ

 

Glandular Epithelial Tissue

Gland: 1 or more cells that produce & secrete a specific product

-         unicellular or multicellular

Endocrine glands: release product into extracellular space

-         ductless glands... eventually lose their ducts

Exocrine glands: release product to an epithelial surface

-         includes mucus, sweat, oil, & salivary glands

-         merocrine glands: secrete product by exocytosis

·       serous cells: secrete watery fluid with enzymes called serous fluid

·       mucous cells: secrete mucus, containing the glycoprotein mucin

§      goblet cells: serve protective function in gastrointestinal & respiratory tracts

-         apocrine glands: lose small portions of gland during secretion

-         holocrine glands: accumulate product until gland ruptures

 

Connective Tissue: most abundant primary tissue

-         connective tissues bind structures, provide support & protection, serve as frameworks, fill spaces, store fat, produce blood cells, protect against infections & help repair tissue damage

-         cells in connective tissue are varied and usually divide

-         range of vascularity, but most have good blood supplies

-         extracellular matrix (collagen or elastin fibers; calcium phosphate (bone)

-         ground substance: fills space between cells & contains fibers

 

Connective Tissue Cells:

-         fibroblasts (many types)

-         chondrocytes (cartilage) & osteocytes (bone)

-         white blood cells, mast cells, macrophages (blood,...)

 

Connective Tissue Fibers:

-         collagen: thick fibers (of collagen protein); provide tensile strength (resist tension)

-         elastic: thin fibers made of elastin protein; stretch easily

-         reticular: very thin collagenous fibers; lend delicate support (lymphoid tissues)

 

Connective Tissue Types:

Areolar (Loose) Connective Tissue: gel-like matrix with all 3 fiber types; fibroblasts, mast cells, macrophages & some white blood cells

-         location: under many epithelia (forms lamina propria); around organs & capillaries

-         functions: cushions organs; many immune cells regulate immunity

 

Adipose Connective Tissue: closely packed adipocytes (fat cells with large fat droplet)

-         location: under skin, around kidneys & eyeballs, within abdomen, breasts

-         functions: cushions organs; reserve food fuel, insulation

 

Dense Connective Tissue: dense (primarily) parallel collagen fibers, few elastin fibers; fibroblasts

-         location: tendons, ligaments, dermis of skin, digestive submucosa, fibrous capsules of organs & joints

-         functions: attaches muscles to bone & other muscles, attaches bones to bones; withstands high stress; adds structural strength

 

Cartilage: mostly water; no blood vessels or nerves

-         surrounded by a layer of dense irregular connective tissue - the perichondrium, which contains blood vessels

-         contains chondrocytes in lacunae, ground substance & fibers

-         3 types: hyaline, elastic & fibrocartilage

 

-         hyaline cartilage: amorphous firm matrix; collagen fibers form glassy (invisible) network; chondrocytes in lacunae

·       location: embryonic skeleton, covers long bones in joints, costal cartilage of ribs, cartilage of nose, trachea & larynx

·       functions: support, cushioning, resists stress

-         elastic cartilage: similar to hyaline cartilage, with elastin fibers in matrix

·       location: external ear (pinna), epiglottis

·       functions: maintains shape while adding flexibility

-         fibrocartilage: similar to hyaline, less firm with thick collagen fibers in matrix

·       location: intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, knee joint discs

·       functions: tensile strength, absorbs shock

  

Bone: hard calcified matrix, many collagen fibers, well-vascularized, osteocytes in lacunae

-         location: bones

-         functions: support, levers for muscles, calcium storage, blood cell formation (hematopoiesis) in marrow

 

Blood: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes) & platelets in fluid matrix (plasma)

-         location: in blood vessels

-         functions: transports oxygen & carbon dioxide, nutrients, wastes & other substances

 

Muscle Tissue:

Skeletal Muscle: multinucleate, long cylindrical cells with peripheral nuclei; striated; voluntary muscle

-         location: attached to bones of skeleton

-         function: contraction helps move bones

 

Smooth Muscle: uninucleate, spindle-shaped cells; centrally located nucleus; nonstriated; involuntary muscle

-         location: lines hollow passageways such as: walls of blood vessels, airways to lungs, stomach, intestines & bladder

-         function: contraction helps constrict or narrow lumen of blood vessels, break down & move food through GI tract, move fluids & eliminate wastes

 

Cardiac Muscle: one centrally located nucleus (usually); striated; branched; intercalated discs (desmosomes & gap junctions) between cells

-         location: myocardium of heart

-         function: contraction helps propel blood from heart to tissues

 

Nervous Tissue: neurons & neuroglial cells (supporting cells)

-         location: brain, spinal cord & nerves

-         functions: transmit electrical signals from sensory receptors to effectors

 

Types of Membranes:

-         serous: fluid membrane surrounding organs... pleura (lungs), pericardium (heart), peritoneum (digestive organs)

o     visceral & parietal

-         mucous: lines body cavities (digestive tract, respiratory tract)

o     specialized cells (glands) may secrete mucus

-         cutaneous (epithelial): skin

-         synovial membranes: line cavities of freely movable joints

o      areolar CT with elastic fibers & adipocytes