Cell Biology and Laboratory Techniques Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cell culture, microscopy, staining, subcellular localization, cytoskeleton structures, and dilution calculations from lecture notes.

Bio Safety Level 1 (BSL1)

The biosafety level designated for the laboratory operating environment described in the notes.

Hemocytometer Cell Concentration Formula

The calculation defined as $\text{grid count} \times 10^4/\text{mL} \times \text{dilution factor}$ for determining cell density, noting not to count cells on the top bright band.

In-Vitro

Biological processes or experiments conducted outside of the living organism.

Primary Cell Culture

A cell culture established from individual cells isolated directly from tissue.

Secondary Cell Culture

A cell culture established by transferring some cells from a primary culture to a new growth medium.

Continuous Cell Culture

A cell culture consisting of transformed cells or individual cells isolated from a tumor.

Adherent Cells

Cells that require attachment to a solid substrate in order to grow.

Non-Adherent Cells

Cells that grow in suspension, requiring a layer of agar on the bottom of the culture flask.

Cell Growth Curve

The four sequential phases of cell population growth in culture: Lag, Log, Stationary, and Death.

Trypsin EDTA

An enzymatic solution used to detach adherent cells from their growth substrate.

Subcellular Localization

The identification of the specific compartment or structure within a cell where a protein resides, which is important for understanding protein function and disease.

Fractionation

One of the two primary experimental methods used to determine subcellular localization.

Fluorescence Microscopy

An imaging technique and method used to investigate subcellular localization by detecting light emitted from fluorescently labeled targets.

Fluorescence

The emission of light by a molecule (fluorophore) subsequent to the absorption of electromagnetic energy.

Fluorophore

A chemical compound or molecule that exhibits fluorescence.

Stages of Fluorescence

The three sequential physical stages of the fluorescence process: 1) Excitation, 2) Excited-State lifetime, and 3) Fluorescence Emission.

Unfixed Cell

A cell maintained in its natural living state; if left unfixed, it cannot be stained and examined under a microscope.

Fixed Cell

A cell treated with a chemical agent that preserves cellular structure by crosslinking proteins, stopping biological processes, and stabilizing cellular components.

Permeabilization Process

A treatment step that makes the cell membrane more porous to allow staining agents or antibodies inside.

Mitobrilliant

A specific fluorescent stain used to color mitochondria red.

Alexa 488-Phalloidin

A fluorescent conjugate used to stain F-actin microfilaments green.

DAPI

A fluorescent stain that binds to DNA and colors cell nuclei blue.

PFA (Paraformaldehyde)

A chemical reagent used to fix cells by crosslinking cellular structures.

Triton 100

A detergent reagent used to permeabilize cell membranes.

PBS

A standard washing solution used during cell staining and processing protocols.

Cell Motility (Migration)

The ability of cells to alter their shape and move.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal components composed of tubulin dimers that form the mitotic and meiotic spindle during cell division.

Intermediate Filaments

Cytoskeletal elements whose primary function is to provide structural support to the cell.

Microfilaments

Cytoskeletal fibers composed of g-actin polymers that form a double helix, serving two main functions: muscle contraction and cytokinesis.

Colcemid

A chemical compound that impedes the formation and growth of microtubules.

Cytochalasin A

An inhibitor that specifically blocks actin polymerization.

Overall Dilution Factor

The total ratio required to dilute a concentration such as $1 \times 10^8$\,cells/mL down to $1 \times 10^3$\,cells/mL, calculated as $\frac{10^8}{10^3} = 10^5$ or $1:100,000$.