Cell Structure and Function 1
Cell Structure and Function 1
Cell Structure and Function 1
Balibalita
Diffusion- is the movement of a solute from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration within a
solvent. At equilibrium, the distribution of molecules is uniform.
Osmosis- is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Carrier- Mediated Transport Mechanism- is the movement of a substance across a membrane by means of a carrier
molecule. The substance transported tend to be large, water-soluble molecules or ions.
Endocytosis and Exocytosis- is the movement of materials into cells by the formation of a vesicle. Receptor- mediated
endocytosis involves cell receptors attaching molecules, which are then transported into the cell.
5. Explain the role of osmosis and that of osmotic pressure in controlling the movement of water across the cell membrane. Compare
hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solution.
ANSWER:
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane, such as the cell membrane, from a region of
higher water concentration to one of lower water concentration. Osmosis is important to cells because large volume
changes caused by water movement can disrupt normal cell functions. Osmotic pressure is the force required to prevent
the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane. Water molecules move by osmosis through the
membrane into the tube, forcing the solution to move up the tube. The greater the concentration of a solution, the
greater its osmotic pressure, and the greater the tendency for water to move into the solution.
A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of a solutes and a higher concentration of water relative to cytoplasm of
the cell. Isotonic solution is the concentrations of various solutes of the water are the same on both sides of the cell
membrane. Hypertonic solution, has a higher concentration of solutes and a lower concentration of water relative to
cytoplasm of the cell.
6. Define mediated transport, and compare the process of facilitated diffusion, active transport and secondary active transport.
ANSWER:
Carrier molecules, which are proteins within the cell membrane are involved in carrier-mediated transport mechanism,
which move large, water soluble molecules across the cell membrane. A molecule to transport binds to a specific carrier
molecule on one side of the membrane.
Facilitated diffusion is a carrier mediated transport process that moves substances across the cell membrane from an
area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration of that substance. Active transport is a carrier mediated
process that moves substances across the cell membrane from regions of lower concentration to higher concentration
against a concentration gradient. Secondary active transport involves the active transport of one substance, such as Na+,
across the cell membrane, establishing the concentration gradient. The diffusion of that transported substance down its
concentration gradient provides the energy to transport a second substance, such as glucose, across the cell membrane.
10. Describe the roles of the Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles in secretion.
ANSWER:
Golgi Apparatus collects, modifies, packages, and distributes proteins and lipids manufactured by ER. For example,
proteins produced at the ribosomes enter the Golgi apparatus from the ER.
In some cases, the Golgi apparatus chemically modifies the proteins by attaching carbohydrates or lipid molecules to them. The
proteins then are packaged into membrane sacs that pinch off from the margins of the Golgi apparatus.
Secretory vesicles pinch off from the Golgi apparatus and move to cell membrane. The membrane of a secretory vesicle
then fuses with the cell membrane, and the contents of vesicles release to the exterior of the cell. In many cells, secretory
vesicle accumulates in the cytoplasm and are released to the exterior when the cell receives a signal. Secretory vesicles
containing hormones remain in the cytoplasm of endocrine cells until signals stimulate their release.
11. Explain the role of lysosomes and peroxisomes in digesting material taken into cells by phagocytosis.
ANSWER:
Lysosomes are membrane-bound vesicles formed from the Golgi apparatus. They contain a variety of enzymes that
function as intracellular digestive system. Vesicles formed by endocytosis may fuse with lysosomes.
Peroxisomes are small, membrane- bound vesicles containing enzymes that break fatty acids, amino acids, and hydrogen
peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a by-product of fatty acid and amino acid breakdown and can be toxic to a cell.
14. Compare the structure and function of cilia, flagella, and microvilli.
ANSWER:
Cilia project from the surface of cells. They vary in number from none to thousands per cell and are capable of moving.
Cilia are composed of microtubules, organized in a pattern similar to that of centrioles, which are enclosed by the cell
membrane. Their coordinated movement transports mucus, in which dust particles are embedded, upward and away
from the lungs.
Flagella have a structure similar to that of cilia but are much longer, and they usually occur only one per cell. Sperm cell
each have one flagellum, which propels the sperm cell.
Microvilli are specialized extensions of the cell membrane that are supported by microfilaments, but they do not actively
move as cilia and flagella do. Microvilli are numerous on cell that have them and they increase the surface area of those
cells.
17. Define differentiation and explain how different cells types develop.
ANSWER:
Differentiation is the process by which cells develop with specialized structures and functions. During differentiation of a
cell, some portion of DNA are active, but others are inactive. The active and inactive sections of DNA differ with each cell
type. For example, the portion of DNA responsible for the structure and function of a bone cell is different from that
responsible for the structure and function of a muscle cell. Differentiation, then, results from the selective activation and
inactivation of segments of DNA.
Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a normal process by which cell numbers within various tissues are adjusted and
controlled. In the developing fetus, apoptosis removes extra tissue, such as cells between the developing fingers and
toes. In some adult tissues, apoptosis eliminates excess cells, to maintain a constant number of cells within the tissue.