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Nucleus
Control center of the cell containing DNA and RNA.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid; hereditary material in humans.
Chromatin
Fibers of DNA in a coiled and condensed form that become chromosomes.
Nuclear Envelope
Membrane surrounding the nucleus.
Nucleolus
Structure within the nucleus where ribosomes are made.
Cytoplasm
Material between the plasma membrane and the nucleus.
Mitochondrion
Powerhouse of the cell that makes ATP.
ATP
Adenosine Triphosphate; the energy currency of the cell.
Ribosomes
Granules made of protein where protein synthesis occurs.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
Organelle that synthesizes lipids and detoxifies drugs.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
Organelle with ribosomes that synthesizes proteins.
Golgi Apparatus
Stacked membranes that modify and package proteins and lipids.
Peroxisomes
Organelles that contain enzymes to neutralize free radicals.
Lysosomes
Digestive organelles that break down waste and cellular debris.
Centrioles
Cylindrical structures involved in cell division.
Cytoskeleton
The structure that helps maintain cell shape and aids in movement.
Microtubules
Hollow tubes made of tubulin protein that support the cell.
Microfilaments
Strands made of actin that contribute to cell movement.
Intermediate Filaments
Protein fibers that provide mechanical support to the cell.
Cilia
Hair-like structures that help move fluids across cell surfaces.
Flagella
Long, whip-like structures used for cell movement.
Microvilli
Folds in the cell membrane that increase surface area for absorption.
Interphase
Phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and duplicates its contents.
G1 phase
First growth phase where cell contents are duplicated.
S phase
Phase of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs.
G2 phase
Second growth phase where the cell checks for errors before mitosis.
Mitosis
Process of nuclear division resulting in two identical daughter cells.
Cytokinesis
Division of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane to form two cells.
Prophase
First stage of mitosis where chromosomes become visible.
Metaphase
Stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the cell center.
Anaphase
Stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart.
Telophase
Final stage of mitosis when the nuclear membrane reforms.
Chromosomes
Structures made of DNA that carry genetic information.
Gene
A segment of DNA that codes for a protein or functional RNA.
Cytosol
The liquid component of the cytoplasm.
Phospholipid Bilayer
Double layer of phospholipids that makes up the plasma membrane.
Exocytosis
Process by which substances are secreted from the cell.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
Type of RNA that combines with proteins to form ribosomes.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
Liver Functions
Metabolizes lipids and detoxifies harmful substances.
Calcium Ions
Essential for muscle contraction, stored and released by smooth ER.
Cytoplasmic Organelles
Structures within the cytoplasm that perform various functions.
Cell Membrane
Barrier that separates the internal contents of a cell from the outside environment.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
Lipid Synthesis
Process of creating lipids, including cholesterol and phospholipids.
Glycogen
Storage form of glucose in liver and muscle cells.
Homeostasis
The balance of internal conditions within a cell or organism.
Cell Division
The process by which a cell splits into two identical daughter cells.
Growth Factors
Proteins that stimulate cell division and growth.
Cancer
Uncontrolled cell division resulting in tumors.
Mutations
Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic disorders.
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death.
Stem Cells
Undifferentiated cells that can become any type of cell.
Tissue
Group of similar cells that perform a specific function.
Organ
A structure made up of tissues that perform specific functions.
Organ System
Group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.
Homeostatic Mechanisms
Processes that maintain balance in the body.
Signal Transduction
Process by which a cell responds to signals from the environment.
Cell Communication
Interaction between cells that influences their activities.
Receptors
Proteins that bind to signaling molecules and trigger a response.
Enzymes
Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body.
Metabolism
The sum of all chemical processes that occur in a cell.
Nutrient Uptake
The process of taking in nutrients for energy production.
Cellular Respiration
Process of converting nutrients into ATP.
Oxidative Phosphorylation
The process of making ATP using oxygen.
Fermentation
Anaerobic process of producing ATP without oxygen.
Cellular Differentiation
Process by which cells become specialized for specific functions.
Extracellular Matrix
Network of proteins and carbohydrates outside of cells.
Membrane Potential
Difference in electrical charge inside and outside of a cell.
Cellular Aging
Process leading to decreased cell function and viability.
Tissue Repair
The process of healing damaged tissues.
Signal Molecules
Chemical messengers that mediate communication between cells.
Neoplasia
Abnormal proliferation of cells, potentially leading to tumors.
Transcription
Process where DNA is copied into mRNA.
Translation
Process where mRNA is converted into a sequence of amino acids.
Proteins
Molecules made of amino acids that perform various functions in the body.
