Unit 3: Tissue Engineering

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to tissue engineering as discussed in the lecture.

Tissue Engineering

A field of biomedical engineering focusing on creating functional tissues and organs.

Biomaterials

Substances that are engineered to interact with biological systems for medical purposes.

Cell Culture

The process of growing cells under controlled conditions, often used in research.

Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.

iPSCs

Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells, capable of differentiating into various cell types.

CRISPR

A genetic engineering technique that allows for the precise modification of DNA.

Transcription Factor

A protein that regulates the transcription of specific genes by binding to nearby DNA.

Extracellular Matrix

A collection of extracellular molecules secreted by cells that provides structural and biochemical support.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products.

Mechanobiology

The study of the role of mechanical forces in biological processes.

Lateral Inhibition

A cell-cell interaction mechanism that leads to differentiation among adjacent cells.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell responds to substances or signals in its environment.

3D Bioprinting

A technique used to create three-dimensional structures from biological materials.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that makes up the fundamental structure of cell membranes.

Integrins

Proteins that facilitate cell-ECM adhesion and transmit signals between the ECM and the cell.

Mechanosensing

The ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli.

CRISPR

A genome editing tool that allows researchers to alter DNA sequences.

Bacterial Growth Shakers

Instruments used for the growth of bacterial cultures in laboratories.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on size.

Biochemical Signals

Molecules that influence cellular processes by interacting with receptors.

Organ-on-a-Chip

A microengineered device that simulates the functions of human organs.

Transcription Regulators

Proteins that control the transcription of genes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle that synthesizes proteins and lipids.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell, producing energy through respiration.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells with the potential to become various specialized cell types.

Cell Signaling

The communication process that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions.

Autocrine Signaling

A form of signaling where a cell targets itself.

Cell Membrane Functions

Regulating substance passage, detecting signals, and anchoring to the ECM.

Fibroblasts

Cells responsible for producing connective tissue fibers.

Plasmids

Small, circular DNA molecules independent of chromosomal DNA.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Gene Therapy

A technique to treat or prevent disease by modifying genes.

Cell Types

Different forms of cells, each with unique functions and characteristics.

Microscopy

The technique of using a microscope to view small samples.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Tissue Models

In vitro models used to study the behavior of tissues.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that maintains cell shape and aids in movement.

Cell Adhesion

The ability of a cell to attach to another cell or ECM.

Mutagenesis

The process of generating a mutation in the genetic material of an organism.

Cleavage

The series of rapid cell divisions that occurs immediately after fertilization.

Bioprinting

The 3D printing of living cells to create tissue-like structures.

Differentiated Cells

Cells that have developed specialized functions.

Colony Forming Units

A measure of the number of viable cells.

Enzymatic Activity

The catalytic activity of enzymes in biochemical reactions.

Signal Molecule

A substance used by cells to communicate signals to their environment.

Cellular Process

Any action taken by a cell in response to stimuli.

Tissue Regeneration

The process of repairing or replacing damaged tissues.

Epidermal Growth Factor

A growth factor involved in the regulation of cell growth.

Genetic Modification

The alteration of an organism's genetic material.