Part Three III › Division III III › Section 331 331

The Cellular Basis of Form and Function

Subject Outline

ACell theory and classification
- 1The cell theory
  - aHistorical background
  - bChallenges to and revisions of the cell theory in the light of later knowledge
- 2Classification of cells
  - aGeneral features: comparisons between cells and viruses and between procaryotic and eucaryotic cells, tissues as providing a functional classification of cells
  - bCells and tissues of animals: absorptive cells, secretory cells, nerve cells, sensory cells, muscle cells, cells in supporting tissues, circulating cells, reproductive cells
  - cCells and tissues of higher plants: outstanding features of the plant cell; meristematic, epidermal, and other types of plant cells
  - dComparison between animal cells and plant cells
BCell design and cell organization
- 1The cell as a molecular system
  - aMacromolecules in cells: nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides
  - bSmall molecules in cells: lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, fatty acids
- 2Form and structure of the cell
  - aSizes and shapes of cells
  - bMorphological elements: parts of cells--cell membrane, extracellular matrix, mitochondria, ribosomes, cytoskeleton, nuclear envelope, chromosomes, nucleolus
  - cProcaryotic and eucaryotic cells [see also 312.A.3.b.]
CFunctional aspects of cells
- 1The internal environment and the cell matrix: the concept of the cell as a "protoplasm," the concept of the cell as a "bag" containing a water solution of molecules
- 2Cell membranes [see 323.A.]
- 3Interplay of nucleus and cytoplasm
- 4Cell movement: ciliary, flagellar, and amoeboid
- 5Cells in combination: cohesion and communication to form tissues and multicellular organisms
DThe cell cycle
- 1Cell growth: doubling of size, genetic replication, preparation for division
- 2Cell division
  - aMitosis: condensation of chromosomes and dissolution of nuclear envelope; splitting of chromosomes; formation of new nuclear envelopes
  - bCytokinesis: constriction of animal cell into halves by contractile ring of actin filaments, division of plant cell by formation of cell plate and new cell wall
  - cMeiosis: division of germ cell into gametes, or reproductive cells, each with one-half of the genetic material of parent cell
EFertilization
- 1Characteristics of the mature egg
- 2Events of fertilization
- 3Biochemical analysis of the events of fertilization