lecture 1 CBNS 101: Fundamentals of Cell Biology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the CBNS 101 lecture on cell biology, including fundamental principles, cellular structures, and biological processes.

Cell Theory

A foundational principle in biology stating that all organisms are composed of one or more cells, that cells are the basic unit of structure and organization, and that all cells arise from preexisting cells.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The framework explaining the flow of genetic information within a biological system from DNA to RNA to protein.

Compartmentalization

The process by which different cellular processes occur in separate areas within a cell, usually related to the presence of membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells characterized by a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simpler, smaller cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, exemplified by bacteria and archaea.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins; they contain an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic information to be translated into protein.

Translation

The process through which ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the information encoded in mRNA.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Golgi Apparatus

A cell organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines found within all living cells that carry out the process of translation, assembling amino acids into proteins.

Membrane-less Organelles

Dynamic assemblies of macromolecules, such as proteins and RNA, that do not have surrounding membranes and serve as biochemical factories or storage.

Polypeptide Chain

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which folds to form functional proteins.

Intracellular Trafficking

The process by which materials are transported within a cell, including the movement of proteins and organelles.

Membrane-bound organelles

Functional distinct, membrane enclosed comparts including the nucleus, ER, Glogi apparatus, plastids, and mitochondria

Cytosol

the space of the cytoplasm outside the membrane bound organelles

Nucleus

contains the genome and is the principle site of DNA and RNA sythesis (replication and transcription)

Cytoplasm

consists of the cytosol and cytoplasmic organelles suspended in it

Cytosol

constitutes a little more than half the total volume of the cell and is the main site of protein suthesis and degradation, also performs cells intermdiary metabolism

Endoplasmic reticulum

produces most of the lipids and sterols for membrane synthesis, about half the total area of the membrane encloses the labyrinthine space of it,

Rough ER

ribosomes mediate the synthesis of proteins that are secreted from the cell or directed to lysosomes and other organelles.

Golgi Apparatus

a network of membranes responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Golgi cisternae

disc like compartments that are in the golgi apparatus

Plastids

organelles found in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, storage, and synthesis of metabolites.

Peroxisomes

small vesicular compartments that contain enzymes used in various oxidative reactions

Scaffolds

structural frameworks within cells that support the organization and localization of proteins and other cellular components by recruiting specific proteins and nucleic acids. nascent pre-RNA transcribed from arrays or rRNA genes

Nucleolus

largest condensate in eukaryotic cells

Phytochrome B

photoreceptor that can be activated by red light. promotes its condensation into photobodies. its formation is required for signaling ant its function in inhibiting the growth of the embryonic stem