MOL100H23 lecture 1 - pro and eukaryotic cells

Proteins

Proteins

Macromolecules that are the most abundant in cells and are made up of chains of amino acids.

Nucleic acids

Macromolecules that include DNA and RNA and are responsible for encoding genetic information.

Phospholipids

Amphipathic molecules that make up the bilayered membranes in cells.

Saccharides

Also known as sugars, they are a type of molecule found in organisms.

Cells

Fundamental units of life that can be classified into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Model organisms

Organisms such as E.coli, yeast, C.elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and mouse that are commonly used in scientific research.

Common ancestral cell

The idea that all living organisms descended from a single common ancestor.

Phylogenetic tree

A diagram that depicts the evolutionary relationships between different organisms.

Macromolecules

Large molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts for chemical reactions.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that contains the genetic information of an organism.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that plays a role in protein synthesis.

Bilayered membranes

Membranes composed of two layers of phospholipids.

Organelles

Compartments within eukaryotic cells that are specialized for different functions.

Cytoplasm

The content of a cell excluding the nucleus.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains the genetic material of a eukaryotic cell.

Chromatin

The combination of DNA and proteins that make up the genetic material in the nucleus.

Chromosomes

Linear pieces of chromatin that are organized in eukaryotic cells.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane that surrounds the nucleus and contains nuclear pores for molecular exchange.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

The biosynthetic factory of the cell, consisting of membrane-bounded sacs called cisternae.

Smooth ER

The part of the endoplasmic reticulum responsible for lipid biosynthesis.

Rough ER

The part of the endoplasmic reticulum that has ribosomes on its surface and produces membranes and transport vesicles.

Ribosomes

Large molecular complexes consisting of RNA and protein subunits that translate mRNA into proteins.

Golgi Apparatus

A system of membrane-bounded sacs that receives transport vesicles on the cis face, modifies proteins and lipids, and sorts them into transport vesicles released on the trans face.

Lysosomes

Digestive organelles containing enzymes that degrade macromolecules.

Mitochondria

Organelles that convert the chemical energy of nutrients into ATP, used for cellular processes requiring energy.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plants and algae that contain chlorophyll and convert CO2 and H2O into sugars and O2 through photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A network of long filaments (microtubules, actin filaments, intermediate filaments) that provide stability, flexibility, and organization to the cell.

Tight Junctions

Junctions between cells in an epithelium that prevent fluid leakage and limit protein movement in the cell membrane.

Anchoring Junctions

Junctions that bridge the cytoskeleton of neighboring cells.

Gap Junctions

Small channels that allow the exchange of small molecules and electric current between cells.

Cell Cycle

The program followed by eukaryotic cells for replication and division, consisting of G1, S, G2, and M phases.

Nucleus

The central organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes in eukaryotic cells involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments that provides structural support and facilitates cell movement in eukaryotic cells.

Mitochondrium

The organelle responsible for energy production through cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells.

Golgi

An organelle involved in the processing, packaging, and distribution of proteins and lipids in eukaryotic cells.

Lysosome

An organelle containing enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris in eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryota

A group of organisms that includes bacteria and archaea, characterized by the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Archaea

A domain of prokaryotic microorganisms that often live in extreme environments.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically smaller in size compared to eukaryotic cells.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material (DNA) in an organism.

Plasmids

Small circular DNA molecules found in prokaryotic cells, separate from the main genome.

Cell wall

A rigid structure surrounding the cell membrane, providing support and protection in prokaryotic cells.