1
Patho Midterm 1 Review Study Guide
1. Explain the eight main functions of cells
Sure! Here are the eight main functions of cells explained in simple terms:
1. Energy Production: Cells convert nutrients into energy to power their activities.
2. Growth: Cells can grow and increase in size, allowing organisms to develop.
3. Reproduction: Cells can divide to make new cells, helping organisms to reproduce and heal.
4. Response to Stimuli: Cells can react to changes in their environment, like moving toward food or
away from danger.
5. Homeostasis: Cells help maintain a stable internal environment, keeping conditions just right
for function.
6. Transport: Cells move substances in and out, like nutrients and waste, to stay healthy.
7. Communication: Cells send and receive signals to coordinate activities with other cells.
8. Structure: Cells provide support and shape to tissues and organs, making up the body.
2. Explain the 5 different ways cells adapt to their environment. Provide examples where possible
Sure! Here are five ways cells adapt to their environment, along with examples:
1. Changing Size: Cells can grow larger or shrink based on their needs. For instance, muscle cells
increase in size with exercise.
2. Altering Shape: Cells can change their shape to fit their environment. For example, white blood cells
can change shape to squeeze through blood vessel walls to fight infections.
3. Modifying Functions: Cells can adjust what they do based on conditions. For example, liver
cells increase their ability to detoxify when exposed to more toxins.
4. Producing Different Proteins: Cells can make different proteins depending on what’s needed. For
example, skin cells produce more keratin when exposed to sunlight to protect against UV damage.
5. Creating Specialized Structures: Cells can develop unique structures to help them survive. For
instance, root cells in plants grow tiny hair-like extensions to absorb more water and nutrients from
the soil.
3. Compare and contrast the following:
a. Atrophy and hypertrophy
b. Hyperplasia and metaplasia
c. Metaplasia and dysplasia
d. Hyperplasia and dysplasia
e. Compensatory hyperplasia vs compensatory hypertrophy
a. Atrophy vs. Hypertrophy
•Atrophy: This is when cells shrink in size, often due to lack of use or decreased demand. For
example, muscles can atrophy when someone is inactive.
•Hypertrophy: This is when cells grow larger, usually due to increased demand or workload.
For instance, weightlifting can cause muscle cells to hypertrophy.
