Cell Biology and Genetics Vocabulary Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to cell biology and genetics, aiding in mastery of the subject.

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

Plasmid

A small, circular DNA molecule found in prokaryotes that is separate from chromosomal DNA.

Nucleoid

The region in a prokaryotic cell where the DNA is located, not enclosed by a membrane.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used for locomotion in some prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that provides support and protection for plant cells and some prokaryotes.

Capsule

A protective layer surrounding the cell wall of some bacteria.

Ribosome

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that forms an interconnected network of membrane-enclosed tubules.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER that is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER that lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.

Lysosome

Organelles that contain enzymes for digestion and waste processing.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell, excluding the nucleus.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus.

Nucleolus

The site of ribosome production within the nucleus.

DNA Replication

The process of copying the DNA prior to cell division.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Operon

A cluster of genes regulated together, typically found in prokaryotes.

Restriction Enzymes

Proteins that cut DNA at specific recognition sites.

Histones

Proteins that package and support the DNA in eukaryotic cells.

Euchromatin

Less condensed form of chromatin that is active in transcription.

Heterochromatin

Highly condensed, transcriptionally inactive form of chromatin.

Karyotype

The complete set of chromosomes in an individual.

Trisomy

A condition in which an individual has three copies of a particular chromosome.

Monosomy

A condition in which an individual has only one copy of a particular chromosome.

DNA Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, affecting gene expression.

Acetylation

The addition of acetyl groups to histones, making DNA more accessible.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA and RNA, consisting of a phosphate group, sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Purines

Nitrogenous bases that include adenine (A) and guanine (G).

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases that include cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U).

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule essential for coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, which carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, which brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, a major component of ribosomes.

Genetic Regulation

The mechanisms that control the expression of genes.

Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes nucleic acids.

Splicing

The process of removing introns from mRNA and joining exons together.

Operon Components

Includes structural genes, promoter, operator, and regulator genes.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by trisomy of chromosome 21.

Genetic Disorder

An abnormal condition caused by faulty genes or chromosomes.