Cell Biology and Genetics Review

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to cell structures, processes like mitosis and meiosis, and genetic information.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

It is a semi-permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling the passage of substances in and out.

What is cytoplasm?

It is the gel-like substance inside the cell where most cellular activities occur such as protein synthesis.

What role does the Golgi apparatus play in a cell?

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins & lipids for transport, similar to a post office.

What do lysosomes contain?

They contain enzymes to break down waste materials & cellular debris.

What is the primary function of mitochondria?

They generate the energy needed for cellular activities by converting nutrients into ATP.

What is housed within the nucleus?

The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls growth & reproduction.

What do ribosomes do?

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, reading RNA copies of genes and assembling amino acids.

What is the rough endoplasmic reticulum involved in?

It plays a role in protein synthesis & quality control.

What does the smooth endoplasmic reticulum do?

It is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification of harmful substances.

What function does a vacuole serve in a cell?

A vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste products.

What is interphase in the cell cycle?

It is the phase where the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division.

What happens during prophase?

Genetic material condenses, and the duplicated chromosomes become visible.

What occurs in metaphase?

The cell's chromosomes align in the middle, preparing for separation.

What is the key event in anaphase?

Paired chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.

What occurs during telophase?

Separated chromosomes form new nuclei at each end of the cell, leading to cell division.

What are chromosomes?

They are the packaged form of DNA and proteins carrying genetic information essential for cell division.

How do prokaryotes differ from eukaryotes regarding chromosomes?

Prokaryotes usually have a single circular chromosome, while eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes in a nuclear membrane.

How many chromosomes do human body cells contain?

Most human body cells (somatic cells) contain 46 chromosomes, or 23 pairs.

What do sex cells carry in terms of chromosomes?

Sex cells carry half the number of chromosomes, which is 23 unpaired chromosomes.

What are genes?

Genes are specific sequences of DNA that instruct cells how to make proteins and other essential molecules.

How many genes are found in humans?

Humans have approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes located on 23 pairs of chromosomes.

What do structural genes code for?

They code for the production of specific proteins, such as enzymes or structural proteins.

What does the COL1A1 gene produce?

It codes for the production of type I collagen, crucial for the strength and flexibility of tissues.

What is the function of regulatory genes?

Regulatory genes control the activity of other genes, turning them on and off as needed.

What is the role of the p53 gene?

It is often described as the 'guardian of the genome' because it regulates the cell cycle and acts as a tumor suppressor.

What are histones?

Histones are proteins that package and order DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.

What happens during protein synthesis?

Ribosomes read the RNA copies of genes and assemble amino acids into proteins.

What would happen if lysosomes are not functioning properly?

Waste materials and cellular debris would accumulate in the cell.

Why is the mitochondria important for cellular activities?

It provides the ATP necessary for various cellular processes.

What does the nucleus control besides genetic material?

It also controls the cell's growth and reproduction.