Instructor Manual
Gropper/Smith/Carr, Advanced Nutri琀椀on and Human Metabolism, c2022, 9780357449813;
Chapter 1: The Cell: A Microcosm of Life
Table of Contents
Purpose and Perspective of the Chapter.......................................................................................................2
Chapter Objectives......................................................................................................................................2
Chapter Outline...........................................................................................................................................2
Discussion Questions...................................................................................................................................9
Activities and Assignments.......................................................................................................................10
Additional Resources.................................................................................................................................13
Internet Resources................................................................................................................................13
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................14
Standard Wri琀椀ng Rubric........................................................................................................................14
Standard Discussion Rubric...................................................................................................................15
,Purpose and Perspec琀椀ve of the Chapter
This chapter introduces the basic functions of the human cell to serve as background as students proceed
to learn about nutrition and metabolism within the human body.
Chapter Objec琀椀ves
The following objectives are addressed in this chapter:
1.1 Identify cellular components and their functions.
1.2 Describe the roles of cell receptors and enzymes.
1.3 Explain the mechanisms by which enzymatic reactions are regulated.
1.4 Discuss the need for and pathways involved in apoptosis.
1.5 Describe how energy is released and utilized in chemical reactions.
[return to top]
Chapter Outline
I. Introduction
1. This chapter provides a brief review of the basics of a cell, including cellular components,
biological energy, and an overview of a cell’s natural life span.
2. Key Terms
a. Cells—basic living, structural, and functional units of the human body
b. Eukaryotic cells—multicellular organisms
c. Prokaryotic cells—primitive cells
d. Plasma membrane—sheetlike structure that encapsulates and surrounds the cell, allowing
it to exist as a distinct unit
3. Figures and Tables
a. Figure 1.1—three-dimensional depiction of a typical mammalian liver cell
II. Components of Cells
A. Plasma Membrane
1. Sheetlike structure that encapsulates and surrounds the cell. It is asymmetrical and
considered to be a fluid structure
2. Key Terms
a. Hydrophobic—molecule or part of molecule that repels water but has strong affinity for
nonpolar substances
b. Receptors—macromolecules that bind a signal molecule with a high degree of specificity
that triggers intracellular events
c. Enzymes—protein catalysts that increase the rate of a chemical reaction in the body
3. Figures and tables
a. Figure 1.2—lipid bilayer structure of biological membranes
b. Figure 1.3—fluid model of cell membrane. Lipids and proteins are mobile and can move
laterally in the membrane
B. Cytosol and Cytoskeleton
1. The cytoplasm includes
a. Cytosol—a gel-like liquid inside the plasma membrane but not in the nucleus
b. Cytoskeleton—made up of microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments
, 2. Organelles Key Terms
a. Microtubules—hollow, cylindrical cytoskeletal structures composed of the protein
tubulin that act to support the cell structure
b. Intermediate filaments—strong, ropelike cytoskeletal fibers that are made of protein and
that function to provide mechanical stability to cells
c. Microfilaments—solid cytoskeletal structures made of a double-helix polymer of the
protein actin that play a role in cell motility
3. Microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments—make up the cytoskeleton
4. Structural arrangement of the cell influences metabolic pathways
a. Hexose monophosphate shunt—pentose phosphate pathway
5. Figures and tables
a. Figure 1.4—the cytoskeleton provides a structure for cell organelles, microvilli, and large
molecules
C. Mitochondrion
1. Cellular organelle that is the site of energy production by oxidative phosphorylation and the
site of tricarboxylic acid cycle
2. Key terms
a. Mitochondria—primary sites of oxygen use and ATP production in cells
b. Oxidative phosphorylation—pathway in the mitochondria that makes ATP from ADP and
Pi
c. Electron transport chain—sequential transfer of electrons from reduced coenzymes to
oxygen that is coupled with ATP formation and occurs within the mitochondria
3. Mitochondrial membrane—a double membrane that surrounds the mitochondrial matrix; the
inner membrane is less permeable than the porous outer membrane
4. Mitochondrial matrix—the interior space in which metabolic enzyme systems catalyze
reactions of the tricarboxylic acid and fatty acid oxidation
5. Figures and tables
a. Figure 1.5—the mitochondrion
b. Figure 1.6—overview of a cross section of a mitochondrion
D. Nucleus
1. Largest organelle within the cell, regulating most cellular activities
2. Key terms
a. Nuclear envelope—composed of an inner and an outer membrane; surrounds the cell
nucleus
b. Nucleolus—region of the nucleus containing condensed chromatin and sites for
synthesizing ribosomal RNA
c. Genes—section of chromosomal DNA that codes for a single protein
d. Genome—sum of all the chromosomal genes of a cell
e. Nucleotides—phosphate esters of the 5ʹ-phosphate of a purine or pyrimidine in N-
glycosidic linkage with ribose or deoxyribose; occurs in nucleic acids
f. Complementary base pairing—pairing of nucleotide bases in two strands of nucleic acids;
A pairs with T or U, while G pairs with C
g. Replication—synthesis of a daughter duplex DNA molecule identical to the parental
duplex DNA
h. Transcription factors—auxiliary proteins that bind to specific sites in the DNA and alter
the transcription of nearby genes
i. Sense strand—the strand of DNA that serves as a template for mRNA
j. Introns—noncoding regions of a gene
k. Exons—coding regions of a gene
l. Anticodons—three-base sequences of nucleotides within transfer RNA molecules
, m. Elongation—extension of the polypeptide chain of the protein product during protein
synthesis
n. Signal transduction—cascade of events that leads to translocation of a transcription factor
into the nucleus
o. Translocation—movement of a transcription factor into the nucleus, where it can bind to
DNA
p. MicroRNAs—small noncoding RNAs that silence gene expression by binding to mRNA
to inhibit its translation and/or promote its degradation
3. Nucleic acids—macromolecules of nucleotides; consist of a nitrogenous core, a pentose
sugar, and a phosphate
4. Cell replication—synthesis of daughter DNA identical to the parental DNA
5. Transcription—taking genetic information in a single strand of DNA and making a specific
sequence of bases in a messenger RNA chain
6. Translation—process by which genetic information in an mRNA molecule is turned into the
sequence of amino acids in the protein
7. Control of gene expression—controlled through transcription, processing-level control
mechanisms determine the path by which mRNA is translated into polypeptide, and
translation-level control mechanisms determine which mRNA is translated
8. Figures and tables
a. Figure 1.7—steps of protein synthesis
b. Figure 1.8—DNA replication
E. Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus
1. The organelles function together to create a mechanism for communication from the
innermost part of the cell to its exterior
2. Key terms
a. Endoplasmic reticulum—network of membranous channels pervading the cytosol and
providing continuity between the nuclear envelope, the Golgi apparatus, and the plasma
membrane
b. Sarcoplasmic reticulum—smooth endoplasmic reticulum that is found in muscle cells and
is the site of the calcium pump
c. Cytochromes—heme-containing proteins that serve as electron carriers, such as in the
P450 system
d. Oxidation—enzymatic reaction in which oxygen is added to, or hydrogen and its
electrons are removed from the reactant
e. Lipophilic—attraction to lipids and thus repelled by water
f. Hydrophilic—attraction to water and other polar substances
g. Golgi apparatus—the part of the cell responsible for modifying macromolecules
synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and packaging them to be transported to the
cell surface or cytosol
F. Lysosomes and Peroxisomes
1. Aid in cell’s digestion and oxidative catabolic reactions
2. Key terms
a. Lysosomes—cell organelles that contain digestive enzymes
b. Peroxisomes—cell organelles containing enzymes that perform oxidative catabolic
reactions
c. Catabolism—process by which organic molecules are broken down
III. Selected Cellular Proteins
A. Receptors
1. Highly specific proteins located in the plasma membrane and act as recognition markers
2. Key terms
a. Ligands—small molecules or minerals that bind to a receptor on the plasma membrane
Gropper/Smith/Carr, Advanced Nutri琀椀on and Human Metabolism, c2022, 9780357449813;
Chapter 1: The Cell: A Microcosm of Life
Table of Contents
Purpose and Perspective of the Chapter.......................................................................................................2
Chapter Objectives......................................................................................................................................2
Chapter Outline...........................................................................................................................................2
Discussion Questions...................................................................................................................................9
Activities and Assignments.......................................................................................................................10
Additional Resources.................................................................................................................................13
Internet Resources................................................................................................................................13
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................14
Standard Wri琀椀ng Rubric........................................................................................................................14
Standard Discussion Rubric...................................................................................................................15
,Purpose and Perspec琀椀ve of the Chapter
This chapter introduces the basic functions of the human cell to serve as background as students proceed
to learn about nutrition and metabolism within the human body.
Chapter Objec琀椀ves
The following objectives are addressed in this chapter:
1.1 Identify cellular components and their functions.
1.2 Describe the roles of cell receptors and enzymes.
1.3 Explain the mechanisms by which enzymatic reactions are regulated.
1.4 Discuss the need for and pathways involved in apoptosis.
1.5 Describe how energy is released and utilized in chemical reactions.
[return to top]
Chapter Outline
I. Introduction
1. This chapter provides a brief review of the basics of a cell, including cellular components,
biological energy, and an overview of a cell’s natural life span.
2. Key Terms
a. Cells—basic living, structural, and functional units of the human body
b. Eukaryotic cells—multicellular organisms
c. Prokaryotic cells—primitive cells
d. Plasma membrane—sheetlike structure that encapsulates and surrounds the cell, allowing
it to exist as a distinct unit
3. Figures and Tables
a. Figure 1.1—three-dimensional depiction of a typical mammalian liver cell
II. Components of Cells
A. Plasma Membrane
1. Sheetlike structure that encapsulates and surrounds the cell. It is asymmetrical and
considered to be a fluid structure
2. Key Terms
a. Hydrophobic—molecule or part of molecule that repels water but has strong affinity for
nonpolar substances
b. Receptors—macromolecules that bind a signal molecule with a high degree of specificity
that triggers intracellular events
c. Enzymes—protein catalysts that increase the rate of a chemical reaction in the body
3. Figures and tables
a. Figure 1.2—lipid bilayer structure of biological membranes
b. Figure 1.3—fluid model of cell membrane. Lipids and proteins are mobile and can move
laterally in the membrane
B. Cytosol and Cytoskeleton
1. The cytoplasm includes
a. Cytosol—a gel-like liquid inside the plasma membrane but not in the nucleus
b. Cytoskeleton—made up of microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments
, 2. Organelles Key Terms
a. Microtubules—hollow, cylindrical cytoskeletal structures composed of the protein
tubulin that act to support the cell structure
b. Intermediate filaments—strong, ropelike cytoskeletal fibers that are made of protein and
that function to provide mechanical stability to cells
c. Microfilaments—solid cytoskeletal structures made of a double-helix polymer of the
protein actin that play a role in cell motility
3. Microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments—make up the cytoskeleton
4. Structural arrangement of the cell influences metabolic pathways
a. Hexose monophosphate shunt—pentose phosphate pathway
5. Figures and tables
a. Figure 1.4—the cytoskeleton provides a structure for cell organelles, microvilli, and large
molecules
C. Mitochondrion
1. Cellular organelle that is the site of energy production by oxidative phosphorylation and the
site of tricarboxylic acid cycle
2. Key terms
a. Mitochondria—primary sites of oxygen use and ATP production in cells
b. Oxidative phosphorylation—pathway in the mitochondria that makes ATP from ADP and
Pi
c. Electron transport chain—sequential transfer of electrons from reduced coenzymes to
oxygen that is coupled with ATP formation and occurs within the mitochondria
3. Mitochondrial membrane—a double membrane that surrounds the mitochondrial matrix; the
inner membrane is less permeable than the porous outer membrane
4. Mitochondrial matrix—the interior space in which metabolic enzyme systems catalyze
reactions of the tricarboxylic acid and fatty acid oxidation
5. Figures and tables
a. Figure 1.5—the mitochondrion
b. Figure 1.6—overview of a cross section of a mitochondrion
D. Nucleus
1. Largest organelle within the cell, regulating most cellular activities
2. Key terms
a. Nuclear envelope—composed of an inner and an outer membrane; surrounds the cell
nucleus
b. Nucleolus—region of the nucleus containing condensed chromatin and sites for
synthesizing ribosomal RNA
c. Genes—section of chromosomal DNA that codes for a single protein
d. Genome—sum of all the chromosomal genes of a cell
e. Nucleotides—phosphate esters of the 5ʹ-phosphate of a purine or pyrimidine in N-
glycosidic linkage with ribose or deoxyribose; occurs in nucleic acids
f. Complementary base pairing—pairing of nucleotide bases in two strands of nucleic acids;
A pairs with T or U, while G pairs with C
g. Replication—synthesis of a daughter duplex DNA molecule identical to the parental
duplex DNA
h. Transcription factors—auxiliary proteins that bind to specific sites in the DNA and alter
the transcription of nearby genes
i. Sense strand—the strand of DNA that serves as a template for mRNA
j. Introns—noncoding regions of a gene
k. Exons—coding regions of a gene
l. Anticodons—three-base sequences of nucleotides within transfer RNA molecules
, m. Elongation—extension of the polypeptide chain of the protein product during protein
synthesis
n. Signal transduction—cascade of events that leads to translocation of a transcription factor
into the nucleus
o. Translocation—movement of a transcription factor into the nucleus, where it can bind to
DNA
p. MicroRNAs—small noncoding RNAs that silence gene expression by binding to mRNA
to inhibit its translation and/or promote its degradation
3. Nucleic acids—macromolecules of nucleotides; consist of a nitrogenous core, a pentose
sugar, and a phosphate
4. Cell replication—synthesis of daughter DNA identical to the parental DNA
5. Transcription—taking genetic information in a single strand of DNA and making a specific
sequence of bases in a messenger RNA chain
6. Translation—process by which genetic information in an mRNA molecule is turned into the
sequence of amino acids in the protein
7. Control of gene expression—controlled through transcription, processing-level control
mechanisms determine the path by which mRNA is translated into polypeptide, and
translation-level control mechanisms determine which mRNA is translated
8. Figures and tables
a. Figure 1.7—steps of protein synthesis
b. Figure 1.8—DNA replication
E. Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus
1. The organelles function together to create a mechanism for communication from the
innermost part of the cell to its exterior
2. Key terms
a. Endoplasmic reticulum—network of membranous channels pervading the cytosol and
providing continuity between the nuclear envelope, the Golgi apparatus, and the plasma
membrane
b. Sarcoplasmic reticulum—smooth endoplasmic reticulum that is found in muscle cells and
is the site of the calcium pump
c. Cytochromes—heme-containing proteins that serve as electron carriers, such as in the
P450 system
d. Oxidation—enzymatic reaction in which oxygen is added to, or hydrogen and its
electrons are removed from the reactant
e. Lipophilic—attraction to lipids and thus repelled by water
f. Hydrophilic—attraction to water and other polar substances
g. Golgi apparatus—the part of the cell responsible for modifying macromolecules
synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and packaging them to be transported to the
cell surface or cytosol
F. Lysosomes and Peroxisomes
1. Aid in cell’s digestion and oxidative catabolic reactions
2. Key terms
a. Lysosomes—cell organelles that contain digestive enzymes
b. Peroxisomes—cell organelles containing enzymes that perform oxidative catabolic
reactions
c. Catabolism—process by which organic molecules are broken down
III. Selected Cellular Proteins
A. Receptors
1. Highly specific proteins located in the plasma membrane and act as recognition markers
2. Key terms
a. Ligands—small molecules or minerals that bind to a receptor on the plasma membrane
