Chapter 3 review BIOL

Cell Theory

Cells are the building blocks of all living organisms, produced by the division of preexisting cells, are the smallest units that perform vital functions, and maintain homeostasis.

Cytology

The study of cellular structure and function.

Plasma Membrane

The outer boundary of a cell that separates it from the environment and performs functions like isolation and exchange regulation.

Integral Proteins

Proteins that are part of the plasma membrane itself.

Peripheral Proteins

Proteins that are attached to the plasma membrane but can easily separate from it.

Glycocalyx

Carbohydrate portions of proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids on the outer cell surface; involved in lubrication and protection.

Cytoplasm

The fluid and organelles suspended within a cell, excluding the nucleus.

Nonmembranous Organelles

Organelles not enclosed by membranes, such as ribosomes and cytoskeleton.

Membranous Organelles

Organelles encased in phospholipid membranes, including the nucleus and mitochondria.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments that provide strength and flexibility to cells.

Microvilli

Small, nonmotile projections of the plasma membrane that increase surface area.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures that organize microtubules and direct chromosome movement during cell division.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis, consisting of rRNA.

Proteasomes

Complexes that remove and break down damaged or abnormal proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes that function in synthesis, storage, transport, and detoxification of substances.

Golgi Apparatus

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

Lysosomes

Vesicles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that contain enzymes that neutralize toxic free radicals.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for ATP production through aerobic metabolism.

Nucleus

The control center of a cell containing DNA and regulating activities such as protein synthesis.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and proteins in nondividing cells that condense to form chromosomes during cell division.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of constructing a polypeptide from mRNA sequences.

Diffusion

The net movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane in response to solute concentration.

Tonicity

The effect of a solution's solute concentration on cell volume.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Endocytosis

The process of internalizing substances into a cell by engulfing them in a membrane.

Exocytosis

The process of vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane to release their contents outside the cell.

Membrane Potential

The electrical potential difference across a cell membrane.

Cell Cycle

The sequence of stages that a cell goes through from division to division, including interphase and mitosis.

Mitosis

The part of the cell cycle where the nucleus divides, resulting in two daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two daughter cells after mitosis.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that can divide to form specialized cells and have a high mitotic rate.

Tumors

Abnormal growths of tissue that can be benign or malignant.

Oncogenes

Modified genes that can lead to cancer by promoting uncontrolled cell growth.

Cellular Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized for specific functions.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Somatic Cells

All body cells except for sex cells; undergo mitosis.

Sex Cells

Reproductive cells (sperm and oocytes) produced by meiosis.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions within a cell.

Plant and Animal Cells

Types of cells distinguished by their structures and features.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The fundamental structure of the plasma membrane composed of two layers of phospholipids.

Carriers

Membrane proteins that transport substances across the plasma membrane.

Environmental Sensitivity

The ability of a cell to respond to changes in its surroundings.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Gene Activation

The process by which certain genes are turned on to produce specific proteins.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.

Autolysis

Self-digestion or self-destruction of cells, especially by lysosomes.

Aerobic Metabolism

The process of producing cellular energy in the presence of oxygen.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA and protein that carries genetic information.

Stratified cells

Cells that are organized in layers, often found in tissues.

Selective Permeability

The property of a membrane that allows some substances to pass while blocking others.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that can move fluids across the surface of the cells.

Gene Expression

The process by which genetic instructions are used to synthesize gene products, often proteins.

Cellular Metabolism

All biochemical reactions occurring within a cell.

Nitrogenous Bases

The building blocks of DNA and RNA that encode genetic information.

Concentration Gradient

The ratio of solute to solvent in a solution.

Filtration

The movement of water and small solutes across a membrane from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution that has a lower solute concentration than the inside of a cell, causing water to move into the cell.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution that has a higher solute concentration than the inside of a cell, causing water to move out of the cell.

Isotonic Solution

A solution that has the same solute concentration as the inside of a cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Pinocytosis

The intake of liquids and nutrients by cells

The intake of large particles in solid