Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

Cell Biology

The study of the structure and function of the cell, focusing on physiological properties, metabolic processes, signaling pathways, life cycle, chemical composition, and environmental interactions.

Cell and Molecular Biology

An interdisciplinary field that studies the structure, function, intracellular pathways, and formation of cells, including cellular processes.

Cell Physiology

The study of the cell cycle and interactions between cells and their environment.

Cell Immunology

The study of the immune system's structure and function at the cellular level, including natural and acquired immunity.

Genetics

The study of the structure and function of genes at the molecular level, including genetic variation and heredity.

Molecular Biology

The study of biology at the molecular level, focusing on the interactions of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.

Neurobiology

The study of the structure and function of the nervous system at both cellular and molecular levels.

Cell Theory

A fundamental theory in biology stating that all organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are the structural units of life, and that cells arise only by division from preexisting cells.

HeLa cells

The first immortal human cell line used in scientific research, derived from cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells containing a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Microscopy

The use of microscopes to observe objects that cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Virus

Obligate intracellular parasites that can cause diseases and are characterized by their dependence on a host to replicate.

Virion

A complete, infective virus particle that consists of a nucleic acid molecule surrounded by a protein coat.

Viroids

Infectious agents that consist of a small circular RNA molecule without a protein coat, known to cause specific plant diseases.

Morphological Group of Viruses

Classification of viruses based on their shape and structure, such as filamentous, isometric/icosahedral, and prolate.

Archaea

A domain of life composed of prokaryotic organisms that are more closely related to eukaryotes and often live in extreme environments.

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms that belong to the domain Bacteria, including both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species.