Cell and Molecular Biology Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from cell and molecular biology notes.

Binary Fission

A method of cell division in prokaryotes where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Plasmid DNA

Extra chromosomal circular DNA molecules found in bacteria that may carry genes for antibiotic resistance.

Chromosomal DNA

Long circular DNA found in prokaryotes, bound to the plasma membrane in a region called the nucleoid.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with linear chromosomes and a defined nucleus, they undergo mitosis and have various organelles.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Meiosis

A reductional cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.

Haploid

Cells that contain one complete set of chromosomes (1N), typical of gametes.

Diploid

Cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes (2N), typical of somatic cells.

Nondisjunction

Failure of homologous chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis, potentially leading to genetic disorders.

Alleles

Alternate forms of a gene that determine specific traits, found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by its genotype.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism, represented by alleles.

Law of Segregation

Mendel's principle that allele pairs segregate during gamete formation, restoring paired conditions during fertilization.

Dominant Allele

An allele that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present.

Recessive Allele

An allele that expresses its trait only when two copies are present (homozygous condition).

Codominance

A genetic scenario in which neither allele is dominant over the other, resulting in phenotypes of both alleles in the organism.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from an mRNA template.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify small amounts of DNA to generate millions of copies.

Gel Electrophoresis

A laboratory method used to separate nucleic acids or proteins based on their size.

Operon

A cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, functioning in a coordinated manner.

Transposable Elements

DNA sequences that can change their position within the genome, often called 'jumping genes.'

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content, inherited from each parent.

Splicing

The process of removing introns and joining exons together in mRNA during processing.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell responds to external signals through a cascade of molecular events.

Lysosome

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes, used to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Chloroplast

The organelle in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, contains chlorophyll and has a double membrane.

Mitochondria

The organelle in eukaryotic cells responsible for energy production, known as the powerhouse of the cell.