Cytology - Study of Cells

Front

What is cytology?

Back

The study of cells, which are the smallest independent living entities.

Front

What is cytoplasm composed of?

Back

Cytosol (a watery saline solution inside the cell) and organelles (intra-cellular structures with different functions) without a nucleus.

Front

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Back

It is a phospholipid bi-layer that surrounds the cell, creating a physical boundary that prevents hydrophilic particles from passing through. Channel proteins and pores within the cell membrane allow them through.

Front

What is the role of the rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

Back

The rough ER makes protein, with ribosomes (protein factories) attached to it.

Front

What is the role of the smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

Back

The smooth ER is responsible for lipid synthesis and intra-cellular transport.

Front

What does the Golgi Apparatus do?

Back

It packages substances and transports them to the outside of the cell.

Front

What are lysosomes?

Back

Spherical vesicles with digestive enzymes that destroy foreign material.

Front

What are centrioles?

Back

Microtubules that move to opposing sides in the cell, creating poles during cell division (mitosis).

Front

What is the function of mitochondria?

Back

They make ATP (energy) and are considered the power plant of the cell.

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A DNA double helix section containing information for one protein.