Cell Biology and Genetics Practice Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular structures, transport mechanisms, organelle functions, protein synthesis, and cell division based on practice questions and answer keys.

Cytoplasm

The cellular contents between the plasma membrane and nucleus, which includes the cytosol and organelles.

Cytosol

The fluid component of the cytoplasm.

Phospholipid Bilayer Arrangement

The arrangement of the plasma membrane where hydrophilic heads face water on each side and hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water.

Membrane Proteins

Proteins in the plasma membrane that perform functions such as channels, carriers, receptors, enzymes, linkers, or cell identity markers.

Concentration Gradient

A chemical concentration difference across the plasma membrane.

Electrical Gradient

A charge difference across the plasma membrane.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport using a carrier protein to move a substance like glucose down its gradient without direct ATP use.

Primary Active Transport

Transport across a membrane that directly uses ATP to move substances.

Secondary Active Transport

Transport that uses stored energy in an ion gradient maintained by ATP-dependent pumps rather than using ATP directly.

Isotonic Solution

A solution that causes no sustained volume change in red blood cells.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution where water enters red blood cells, causing swelling and possibly hemolysis.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution where water leaves red blood cells, causing shrinking or crenation.

Pinocytosis

A form of endocytosis that takes in fluid and dissolved substances.

Phagocytosis

A form of endocytosis that engulfs large particles.

Secretory Pathway

The pathway of a secreted protein: Ribosome on rough ER $\rightarrow$ ER $\rightarrow$ transport vesicle $\rightarrow$ Golgi $\rightarrow$ secretory vesicle $\rightarrow$ plasma membrane $\rightarrow$ exocytosis.

Lysosomes

Organelles that digest cellular or engulfed material.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that carry out oxidation and break down hydrogen peroxide.

Proteasomes

Cellular complexes that degrade selected proteins.

Microvilli

Actin-supported cellular projections that increase surface area.

Motile Cilia

Projections containing microtubules that move material over a cell surface.

Cristae

Folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Mitochondrial Matrix

The space enclosed within the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Mitochondria

Organelles whose main energy role is producing most ATP during aerobic respiration.

DNA Replication

The process occurring in the nucleus that produces DNA from DNA.

Transcription

The process occurring in the nucleus that produces RNA from DNA.

Translation

The process occurring at ribosomes that produces a polypeptide from mRNA instructions.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that carries instructions for protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA that forms part of ribosomes and supports protein synthesis.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that brings amino acids and pairs its anticodon with an mRNA codon.

S Phase

The phase of interphase during the cell cycle when DNA replicates.

Prophase

The first mitotic stage, during which chromosomes condense.

Metaphase

The mitotic stage during which chromosomes align.

Anaphase

The mitotic stage during which sister chromatids separate.

Telophase

The mitotic stage during which nuclear envelopes reform.

Mitosis

The process that divides the cell nucleus.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm through the formation of a cleavage furrow in animal cells.

Meiosis I

The meiotic division stage that separates homologous chromosomes.

Meiosis II

The meiotic division stage that separates sister chromatids.

Mitotic Products

Two genetically similar diploid cells, normally containing $46$ chromosomes each in humans.

Meiotic Products

Genetically varied haploid products, containing $23$ chromosomes each in humans.

Crossing-over

The exchange of DNA between nonsister chromatids of homologous chromosomes.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new vessels.

Carcinogen

An agent that promotes cancer development.

Oncogene

A gene that can promote uncontrolled growth.