207 Topic 2: Cell Structure and Function

Study Objectives
Use our lecture slides as your primary resource for addressing each objective. It is strongly
recommended that you use your textbook as a tool to further your understanding. Sections
of the Top Hat textbook containing information relevant to an objective are listed in
parentheses when possible.

Chemistry of Life

 Identify the four elements that compose the majority of the body.
 Discuss the importance of water in the body.
 Explain the concept of pH.
 Describe the characteristics of organic compounds.
 State the building blocks of the four types of biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins, nucleic acids. (2.2.1)
 Describe the general structure and function of carbohydrates; be sure to identify the
carbohydrate used for long-term energy storage. (2.2.1)
 Describe the general structure and function of the types of lipids: triglycerides,
phospholipids, cholesterol, waxes. (2.2.1)
 Discuss the four levels of protein structure. (2.4.2)
 List and give examples of the various functions of proteins. (2.2.1)
 Describe the function of enzymes. (2.2.2)
 Describe the structure and function of nucleic acids. (2.2.1 and 2.4.1)
 Explain the role of ATP in the body.

General Features of a Cell

 Know the major function(s) of the following cell structures. (2.2.3)

Nucleus Ribosomes Golgi apparatus
Cytoplasm/cytosol Rough ER Lysosomes
Mitochondria Smooth ER Cytoskeleton

Plasma Membrane

 Describe the function of the plasma membrane. (2.3.1)

 Describe the structural components of a plasma membrane, and explain the role of each
component – phospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol. (2.3.2)
 Discuss the fluid mosaic model of plasma membrane structure. (2.3.3)

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Membrane Transport and Cell-Cell Interactions

 Define membrane transport and distinguish between passive and active transport.
(2.5.1)
 Compare and contrast simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, and bulk
filtration. (2.5.3)
 Describe the types of gated channels. (2.5.3)
 Compare and contrast primary and secondary active transport. (2.5.1 and 2.5.4)
 Compare and contrast endocytosis and exocytosis. (2.5.5)
 Describe the functions of the types of cell junctions. (2.7.1)

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