Fundamentals of Cell & Developmental Biology - Module 1

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts in cell and developmental biology, specifically focused on macromolecules and cellular structures.

Eukaryotic Cell

Cells with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, distinguishing them from prokaryotic cells.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs that transport materials within and outside the cell.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that provides structural support, facilitates movement, and organizes organelles within a cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids and the transportation of materials in the cell.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or for use within the cell.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not readily interact with water.

Hydrophilic

Substances that readily interact with water.

Polymers

Large molecules made of repeating subunits (monomers) linked by covalent bonds.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds formed between amino acids during protein synthesis.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak noncovalent bonds formed between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom.

Endosymbiosis

A theory explaining the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts as engulfed prokaryotes.

pH

A measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution.

Condensation Reaction

A chemical reaction where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, releasing water.

Hydrolysis

The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

Nucleotide

Monomer unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

Sugars

Carbohydrates that are primary sources of energy for cellular processes.

Fatty Acids

Carboxylic acids with long aliphatic chains that are key components of lipids.

Phospholipids

Molecules that form the bilayer of cell membranes, consisting of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates made up of long chains of monosaccharides.

Biomolecules

Organic molecules that are essential to life, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.