CELL PHYSIOLOGY Q&A

CELL PHYSIOLOGY How big is a typical human cell and can you see it with the naked eye? - ANSWER-10 um and no Why is a cell roughly 10 um? - ANSWER-This size allows the cell to effectively communicate with its environment through its plasma membrane. What would happen if a cell got bigger than 10um? - ANSWER-cell's membrane would not be able to efficiently communicate with its environment due to the increase in size. What are the 2 major classes of cells? - ANSWER-Solar cells & gametes. What is the lipid to protein ratio (in%) that makes up a cell membrane and how does this relate to weight? - ANSWER-98% lipid 2% protein but the weight is 50/50 because proteins are big heavy molecules What type of fluid does the e (extracellular) face of the cell face? - ANSWER-Interstitial fluid What type of fluid does the p face of the cell face? - ANSWER-Intracellular fluid and p is referring to the cytoplasm or inside of the cell What can sugars in the extracellular portion be attached to? - ANSWER-Phospholipids or proteins If a sugar is attached to a lipid what is it called? - ANSWER-Glycolipids If a sugar is attached to a protein what is it called? - ANSWER-Glycoprotein What are glycol