Cellular Processes and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards summarize key vocabulary and concepts related to cellular processes, reproduction, cellular respiration, and protein synthesis as presented in the lecture notes.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell is not dividing and includes the G1, S, and G2 phases.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm into two cells, following mitosis.

G1 Phase

The first gap phase in the cell cycle where the cell grows and performs normal metabolic functions.

S Phase

The synthesis phase of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

The second gap phase in the cell cycle where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense and the nuclear envelope re-forms.

DNA Replication

The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division.

Heredity

The transmission of genetic characteristics from parent to offspring.

Karyotype

A chart displaying the complete set of chromosomes in an individual.

Allele

Different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division sometimes leading to malignant tumors.

Oncogenes

Genes that have the potential to cause cancer when mutated.

Tumor-Suppressor Genes

Genes that regulate cell division and can prevent tumor formation.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of complexes that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells build proteins based on the information in genes.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process by which a ribosome synthesizes proteins using the mRNA transcript.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a corresponding codon in mRNA.

Gene Regulation

The process of turning genes on or off to control the production of proteins.