pathophysiology podcast ch 3-4

Cell

basic structural, functional, biological unit of all living organisms

Organelle

subunit within a cell that has a specific function (e.g., mitochondria, nucleus)

Plasma membrane

lipid bilayer separating internal cell environment from external

Cellular metabolism

chemical processes that maintain life, including catabolism and anabolism

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

primary energy carrier in cells

Gene

segment of DNA coding for a functional product (e.g., protein)

Chromosome

threadlike structure of DNA and protein that carries genetic information

Genotype

genetic makeup of an organism

Phenotype

observable traits resulting from genotype and environment

Mutation

change in DNA sequence, which may affect gene function

Cell cycle

series of phases cells go through to divide and replicate (G1, S, G2, M)

Mitosis

cell division producing two identical daughter cells

Meiosis

cell division producing gametes with half the chromosome number

Apoptosis

programmed cell death essential for development and tissue homeostasis

Necrosis

uncontrolled cell death due to injury or disease

Oncogene

mutated gene with potential to cause cancer

Tumor suppressor gene

gene that protects a cell from one step on the path to cancer

DNA repair mechanisms

cellular processes that correct DNA damage

Epigenetics

study of heritable phenotype changes that do not involve alterations in DNA sequence

Stem cell

undifferentiated cell capable of giving rise to various cell types