Cell Biology Exam Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards designed to help students review key concepts in cell biology for their upcoming exam.

The Cell Theory of Life

1. All organisms are composed of cells. 2. Cells are the smallest structural units of life. 3. Cells only arise from other cells.

Prokaryotes

Cells characterized by circular DNA, no membrane-bound organelles, and no nucleus.

Eukaryotes

Cells characterized by linear DNA, membrane-bound organelles, and the presence of a nucleus.

Endosymbiosis

The theory that eukaryotic cells originated from symbiotic relationships between anaerobic eukaryotic cells and aerobic bacteria.

Macromolecules

Large molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides.

Polymerase

An enzyme responsible for synthesizing nucleic acids from nucleotides.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds DNA at the replication fork.

Spliceosome

A complex made of snRNPs that coordinates intron removal during RNA processing.

CRISPR

A genome editing tool that allows for precise modifications in DNA sequences.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Hydrophobic vs Hydrophilic

Hydrophobic refers to 'water-fearing' molecules, while hydrophilic refers to 'water-loving' molecules.

Alternative Splicing

A process that allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins by rearranging exons and excluding introns.

Genetic Variation

Changes in DNA that lead to diversity in gene products, including mutations, gene duplications, and horizontal transfer.

Lysosomes

Organelles responsible for digestion and recycling of macromolecules.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A molecule that stores and transfers energy within cells.