Week 2 lab

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.