Cell Description and Shape Attributes
Essential life molecules, which make up all living organisms, are bound together by a membrane to form a cell’s structural unit (Hand, 2018). The diverse cell shapes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes reveal each cell’s function. Each cell develops a form related to its function. For example, neurons contain extensions (axons and dendrites) that pass quick messages to the entire body (Alberts et al., 2015). Erythrocytes have a flexible shape to facilitate easy movement across capillaries. Pollen grains contain spikes for easy attachment to pollinating agents.
Passive Mechanism of Movement
Molecules move into and out of cells, and where energy is absent, the movement is known as passive transport. An example of a passive mechanism is diffusion, where molecules move from a highly concentrated area to a low concentrated area due to a concentration gradient. A characteristic of diffusion that particles move to a difference in concentration between two sides of the membrane. The diffusion process occurs in the absence of energy. An example includes the diffusion of carbon dioxide through the cell membrane into the blood.
Active Mechanism of Movement
Active mechanisms require energy to move molecules across cells. An example of this process is active transport, where particles move from a highly concentrated region to a low concentrated area. The concentrated gradient is responsible for the attraction of the materials to dissolve and pass from one region to another while maintaining cellular integrity. Inherently, a characteristic of active transport is that particles move across the concentration gradient by using energy obtained during respiration in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). An example of active transport is when the small intestines’ epithelial cells absorb glucose using villi.
Cell and Cell Metabolism Resources
Several resources were used to learn about cells and the metabolism process occurring within the cells. Some of the resources include; a microscope that magnifies minute cell particles invisible to the naked eye and dialysis membranes which illustrated various transport modes within the cells. The information is essential because it provides a practical aspect of the theory learned in class, making it easier to conclude. Also, I integrated the information from the class instructions to guide the learning process while determining what areas of cell metabolism to focus on in completing a holistic assignment.
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References
Alberts, B., Bray, D., Hopkin, K., Johnson, A. D., Lewis, J., Raff, M., ... & Walter, P. (2015). Essential cell biology. Garland Science.
Hand, C. (2018). Cell Theory: The Structure and Function of Cells. Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC.
