Cell Biology Lecture Notes

Key vocabulary terms from the lecture notes on cell structure and function.

Tight Junctions

Connections between epithelial cells that form a barrier, preventing movement of solutes between cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that provides mechanical strength and shape to cells.

Adherence Junctions

Junctions that connect cells and are continuous with the cytoskeleton, helping to maintain mechanical strength.

Desmosomes

Localized patches of adhesion between cells that provide structural integrity.

Hemidesmosomes

Structures that attach epithelial cells to the underlying extracellular matrix.

Gap Junctions

Cell junctions that allow for the transfer of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of various components that can move fluidly.

Macromolecules

Large molecules, such as proteins and polysaccharides, formed from smaller organic molecules.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates composed of chains of monosaccharides.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that must be obtained through diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and phosphate group.

Hydrophilic

Molecules or parts of molecules that interact well with water.

Hydrophobic

Molecules or parts of molecules that do not interact well with water.

Amphipathic Molecule

A molecule that has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts.

Isomers

Molecules with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements.

pH Scale

A scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution based on the concentration of hydrogen ions.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions within an organism that maintain life.

Biochemical Reactions

Chemical processes that occur within living organisms to maintain life.

Gastrulation

An early embryonic event where cells fold inwards to form structures such as the gastrointestinal tract.

Neurulation

The process of forming the neural tube, which gives rise to the central nervous system.

Cadherins

Transmembrane proteins involved in cell-cell adhesion.

Integrins

Proteins that facilitate the adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix.

Phospholipids

Molecules that form cellular membranes, consisting of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.