Resumen Biology II

● Parts of cells
➔ Eukaryotic Cells:

➔ Prokaryotic Cells:
 ● Function of the parts of the cells:
Cell Membrane: Limits the cell,protects the cell, communication with surroundings,
allow substances to enter
Cytoplasm: Acts as a chemical processing factory of the cell, where chemical
reactions take place.
Ribosomes: Make proteins that the cell needs
Mitochondrion: Supplies the cell with energy by aerobic respiration
DNA: contains the genes that have the information to make proteins
Nucleus: Contains genes which are translated into proteins by ribosomes to the
cytoplasm
● Communication between cells:
Cells are able to receive and send signals. Chemical signals are received by special
proteins called receptors. Receptor has a site on its surface where one specific type of
molecular sign can bind; when the signal molecule is attached to the binding site,
other parts of the receptor change the activity of the cell.
Neurotransmitters are molecular signals used for communication between neurons.
The junction between two neurons is called synapse. Neurotransmitters are released
into the synapse by one of the neurons. The neurotransmitters travel across the
junction and bind to receptors on the membrane of another neuron. After binding, the
neurotransmitters can trigger or stop a nerve impulse, depending on the
neurotransmitter, there is a specific receptor for each neurotransmitter.
Hormones are another type of molecular signals used in cell to cell communication.
They are carried via the bloodstream from the cells that secrete them to target cells in
other parts of the body. These cells that secrete hormones are endocrine gland cells.
Receptors for a specific Harmon are only presented in the hormone’s target cells.
Some hormones are proteins (insulin). The receptors for protein hormones are located
in the membrane of the target cells. Steroid hormones (testosterone, and estrogen) are
smaller, pass through the plasma membrane of cells. These receptors are in the
cytoplasm of all the nucleus.
When a hormone binds to its receptor the cell's activities are changed in some way.
Some receptors cause a cascade of reactions that amplifies the effects of the hormone,
for example, rapidly activating enzymes. All the receptors bind to particular genes in
the nucleus and switch them on or off, changing the types of proteins that are being
produced in the cell.