Biology 131

Review for Lecture Midterm I

Chapter 3A- Cells:

Plasma membrane:
 Describe a few basic components of cell theory.
 Give a few important functions of the plasma membrane.
 Describe the fluid mosaic structure of plasma membranes.
 Relate the structure of phospholipid molecules to the structure and properties of plasma
membranes.
 Describe the diverse functions of membrane proteins.
 Describe the three types of membrane junctions- tight, anchoring, and communicating.
 What is the difference between passive transport and active transport?
 Explain diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis and identify their significance in the body.
 What is unique about the passage of water through a membrane?
 What is osmoregulation?
 Be able to explain what may happen to a human body cell if it is placed in solutions of
varying concentrations.
 Distinguish between hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions.

Cell Structures and Functions:

 List the major cell organelles/structures and briefly describe their functions.
 Describe the structure and functions of the organelles of the Endomembrane System i.e. the
nucleus/nuclear membrane, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus,
vacuoles, lysosomes and plasma membrane.
 Compare the structures and functions of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and
microtubules.
 What is a centrosome? A centriole?
 What is the function of a centrosome?
 Identify the microscopic structure of a centriole.
 Name and briefly describe three cellular extensions. Note their differing functions.