Cell Surface Specialization Essay
12. Provide a description of a cell surface specialization.
A cell surface specialization can be defined as an extension of the cell surface which performs a specific function for a larger organ or tissue. Examples of cell surface specializations include microvilli, cilia, stereocilia, and goblet cells. Microvilli can be described as tiny finger-like folds made of microfilaments in the cell membrane, and functions to increase surface area for absorption. Cilia are longer, more hair-like projections, and function to move substances along the cell surface. Microvilli are found in the small intestine and gallbladder, while cilia can be found in the respiratory tract and fallopian tube. Stereocilia are longer microvilli, and are only found in the male …show more content…
reproductive tract. Goblet cells are modified columnar cells that secrete mucous, and exist in the respiratory tract and female genital tract.
13. What is the difference between a tight junction and a desmosome?
A tight junction is a cell junction that form a water tight seal and prevent material from passing between cells.
On the other hand, desmosomes form links between cells, and provide a connection between intermediate filaments of the cell cytoskeletons of adjacent cells.
14. Discuss the structure and function of the cell membrane.
The cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer composed of lipids, cholesterol, sugars, and various proteins which function as channels, markers, and receptors, and functions as a dynamic barrier to isolate cells from their environment. As well, the cell membrane regulates the flow of substances into and out of the cell and mediates biochemical interactions between cells and the surrounding environment.
15. What is the role of the lysosome in autolysis?
Lysosomes can be defined as enzymes that aid in the removal and disposal of dead cells in tissues. Lysosomes contain specific enzymes which allow them to digest most types of biological or organic materials. This digestive process, known as autolysis, occurs quite rapidly in dead cells. Necrosis, the process of tissue degeneration is due to this lysosomal activity.
HIstotechniques
16. Discuss the purpose of tissue fixation. (.2
marks)
As soon as tissues are removed from the body, they began to deteriorate due to the natural process of autolysis (degration of tissue via lysosomes) and putrefaction (decomposition tissue via bacteria, fungi, or viruses). In order to prevent this from occurring, and therefore make a more accurate and life-like histological slide, scientists need to preserve the tissue in a fixative. If the tissue is not fixed properly, then appearance of the cells will change, and there is no method of reversing this. The most common fixative used in laboratory settings is known as formalin, and most tissues arrive pre-submerged in this substance.
17. Why is it important that slides are stained?
It is important that slides are stained as this enhances visualization of the cell, as well as cellular components under a microscope. By using a combination of certain cells, one can stain certain cellular components, or the entire cell. A commonly used stain is hematoxylin and eosin, more commonly known as H&E. Hematoxylin stains acidic molecules such as DNA and RNA shades of blue, while eosin stains basic molecules such as muscle, collagen, and RBC shades of red, pink, and orange.
A cell surface specialization can be defined as an extension of the cell surface which performs a specific function for a larger organ or tissue. Examples of cell surface specializations include microvilli, cilia, stereocilia, and goblet cells. Microvilli can be described as tiny finger-like folds made of microfilaments in the cell membrane, and functions to increase surface area for absorption. Cilia are longer, more hair-like projections, and function to move substances along the cell surface. Microvilli are found in the small intestine and gallbladder, while cilia can be found in the respiratory tract and fallopian tube. Stereocilia are longer microvilli, and are only found in the male …show more content…
reproductive tract. Goblet cells are modified columnar cells that secrete mucous, and exist in the respiratory tract and female genital tract.
13. What is the difference between a tight junction and a desmosome?
A tight junction is a cell junction that form a water tight seal and prevent material from passing between cells.
On the other hand, desmosomes form links between cells, and provide a connection between intermediate filaments of the cell cytoskeletons of adjacent cells.
14. Discuss the structure and function of the cell membrane.
The cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer composed of lipids, cholesterol, sugars, and various proteins which function as channels, markers, and receptors, and functions as a dynamic barrier to isolate cells from their environment. As well, the cell membrane regulates the flow of substances into and out of the cell and mediates biochemical interactions between cells and the surrounding environment.
15. What is the role of the lysosome in autolysis?
Lysosomes can be defined as enzymes that aid in the removal and disposal of dead cells in tissues. Lysosomes contain specific enzymes which allow them to digest most types of biological or organic materials. This digestive process, known as autolysis, occurs quite rapidly in dead cells. Necrosis, the process of tissue degeneration is due to this lysosomal activity.
HIstotechniques
16. Discuss the purpose of tissue fixation. (.2
marks)
As soon as tissues are removed from the body, they began to deteriorate due to the natural process of autolysis (degration of tissue via lysosomes) and putrefaction (decomposition tissue via bacteria, fungi, or viruses). In order to prevent this from occurring, and therefore make a more accurate and life-like histological slide, scientists need to preserve the tissue in a fixative. If the tissue is not fixed properly, then appearance of the cells will change, and there is no method of reversing this. The most common fixative used in laboratory settings is known as formalin, and most tissues arrive pre-submerged in this substance.
17. Why is it important that slides are stained?
It is important that slides are stained as this enhances visualization of the cell, as well as cellular components under a microscope. By using a combination of certain cells, one can stain certain cellular components, or the entire cell. A commonly used stain is hematoxylin and eosin, more commonly known as H&E. Hematoxylin stains acidic molecules such as DNA and RNA shades of blue, while eosin stains basic molecules such as muscle, collagen, and RBC shades of red, pink, and orange.