BIOL310 Lecture Study Guide

A series of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to developmental biology and cell signaling as taught in BIOL310.

MAPK signal transduction pathways

Cellular pathways that relay signals from receptors to the nucleus for gene expression.

Morphogens

Signaling proteins that govern the pattern of tissue development by controlling the concentration gradient within cells.

Hedgehog mutation

Loss-of-function hedgehog and smoothened mutations in flies yield the same phenotype due to the similar downstream effects on signaling.

Delta signaling

Delta ensures that signaling is limited to neighboring cells through direct interaction with Notch receptors.

γ-secretase

Enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of transmembrane proteins, involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's treatment

Inhibitors of γ-secretase may provide therapeutic benefits, but potential side effects include unwanted disruption of normal signaling.

Wnt signaling

A pathway involved in cell communication that differs in sequence from Notch signaling in its mechanisms and outcomes.

Intermediate filaments

Cytoskeletal structures that provide mechanical support and stability to cells.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies produced to target specific proteins; useful in identifying specific types of tumors based on IF protein expression.

Keratin

A structural protein in intermediate filaments, with hard keratin found in hair and nails and soft keratin in skin.

Treadmilling (in actin filaments)

The dynamic process where actin filaments add monomers at one end while losing them at the other, maintaining a constant length.

Protofilaments

Linear polymers made of tubulin dimers that assemble to form microtubules.

Centrosome

A cellular structure that organizes microtubules and is essential for cell division.