Living Cells Questions and Answers Paper Example

Explain where proteins are synthesized and then trace different routes taken by various types of proteins from the site of initial manufacture to the ultimate destination in the cell.

Protein synthesis usually occurs in the cellular ribosomes. The ribosomes that are bound to the endoplasmic reticulum make the proteins which are inserted into cellular membranes. Alternatively, the proteins could be exported outwards. It is the free ribosomes that synthesize such protein. After the completion of the synthesis, the resulting compound is transported to outside of the cell, organelles and to the membranes. Some of the rough endoplasmic reticula have glycoprotein bonded to them hence are glycoproteins. They are separate from the normal protein and are capable of being exported or retained within the rough endoplasmic reticulum to carry out functions (Rizzo, 2015). Golgi apparatus is responsible for sorting elements within the cells. It sends the element to their destination and could at a time sort them. The transport vesicle transports the proteins to the outside of the plasma membrane after which outward secretion occur.

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Discuss the major functions of the cytoskeleton and describe how its various components carry out these functions.

Cytoskeleton usually adds strength and rigidity to a cell. The structure allows or the movement of cells and can aid in activity such as replication. The cytoskeleton enables the motor protein to coordinate the movement of vesicular structures. On top of that the element together with the motor protein to help in the movement of the cells. The cytoskeleton is composed of intermediate filaments, microfilament and micro tubes. The intermediate filament is usually sturdy and helps in reinforcing the cell structure. Alternatively, they aid in the transfixing of the 3D position of the parts of the cells (Rizzo, 2015). Finally, they are responsible for mapping of the cell framework. Microfilaments through muscle contractions aid in pulling that facilitate activities such as cell motility. Micro tubes help in protein locomotion, support, and shaping.

How do extracellular components and connections between cells help cells coordinate cellular activities? Give specific examples for plant cells and animal cells.

Animal cells usually possess extra-cellular matrix that is made up by carbohydrate and glycoproteins. The fibre outside the cell is made up of collagen. ECM glycoproteins through interactions influence gene expression. Signals are sent back and forth when the element combined with the surface receptors. The cells have gap junction, desmosomes, and tight junctions.

Plant cells have the walls that aid in water monitoring, shaping and cell protection. Whereas some only have a single wall, there are those that create a secondary layer. The cells usually communicate through cell junction or the plasmodesmata (Rizzo, 2015). Through small cytosol solutes, water and chemical usually have an avenue to flow freely.

Describe the structure of the cell membrane and explain the functions of its various components. Be sure to indicate how components contribute to the membrane's selective permeability.

Due to the polar and the nonpolar regions, the cell membrane is always selectively permeable. The proteins fixed on the membrane allow for active and passive transportation. The intra or extracellular concentrations usually influence that. The layer hence selectively allow for the selective entry and exits (Rizzo, 2015). Without protein interactions, it is generally upon the lipid bilayer to allow for the movement of nonpolar molecules.

Discuss bulk transport, passive transport, and active transport. Describe differences in the movements of substances and the actions of the cell membrane in each case.

Active transport uses energy to move a solute against the concentration gradient. The carrier cells and ATP usually dines the diffusion against the gradient. The initiative allows for controlled concentration that aid in homeostatic maintenance. Through pumping of sodium potassium, the cells are able to balance outside and inside concentration (Rizzo, 2015).

Bulk transport is useful for the movement of large molecules. The process requires energy and the elements are packed in the vesicle. The cell achieves that through exto and endocytosis. Exocytosis allows for the packaged elements within the vesicle to exit a cell and endocytosis on the other hand let the large molecules to come into a cell.

Passive transport allows for elements to pass through the membrane effortlessly and is called diffusion. The proteins usually facilitate the substances by creating a passage for them. The materials move from regions of high concentration to areas of low concentration until an equilibrium is established (Rizzo, 2015). The process is essential as it helps maintain homeostasis.

References

Rizzo, D. C. (2015). Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. Cengage Learning.