Cell Foundations
The scientist who first observed and named cells in 1665 after viewing cork.
Who is Robert Hooke?
The cell membrane is primarily composed of this double-layered structure.
What is a phospholipid bilayer?
The organelle known as the “powerhouse of the cell.”
What are mitochondria?
These cytoskeletal fibers are composed of actin and are responsible for cell movement.
What are microfilaments?
A patient has a mitochondrial disorder causing severe fatigue and muscle weakness. Which cellular process is most directly impaired?
What is ATP production (oxidative phosphorylation)?
This theory states that all living things are made of cells and that cells arise from pre-existing cells.
What is the Cell Theory?
These membrane proteins span the entire membrane and often function as channels.
What are integral proteins?
The folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane are called this.
What are cristae?
These hollow structures assist with spindle formation and chromosome movement.
What are microtubules?
A liver cell exposed to toxins increases production of detoxifying enzymes. Which organelle is primarily responsible?
What is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
The term used to describe the living substance inside a cell composed of water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.
What is protoplasm?
Small nonpolar molecules like O₂ and CO₂ cross the membrane easily because the membrane is this property.
What is selectively permeable (or hydrophobic in its interior)?
This type of ER contains ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.
What is rough endoplasmic reticulum?
This structure provides structural support beneath the inner nuclear membrane.
What is the nuclear lamina?
A child has a lysosomal storage disease where macromolecules accumulate inside cells. What cellular function is failing?
What is intracellular digestion?
Cells typically range in size between this micrometer range.
What is approximately 2–120 µm?
The membrane helps maintain differences between intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF) through this property.
What is selective permeability?
This organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and forms lysosomes.
What is the Golgi apparatus?
The nucleus regulates gene expression at this level through mechanisms like alternative splicing.
What is post-transcriptional regulation?
Chemotherapy drugs prevent spindle fiber formation during mitosis. Which cytoskeletal structure is targeted?
What are microtubules?
This component accounts for 70–80% of the cell’s composition and is essential for metabolic reactions.
What is water?
The membrane acts as this electrical component due to its insulating properties and charge separation.
What is a capacitor (dielectric barrier)?
These organelles contain acidic hydrolases and are nicknamed “suicidal bags.”
What are lysosomes?
The outer nuclear membrane is continuous with this organelle.
What is the endoplasmic reticulum?
A mutation affects nuclear pore complexes, preventing large molecules from exiting the nucleus. Which process would be directly disrupted?
What is mRNA transport to the cytoplasm?