General Histology - Cytology and Histology Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a General Histology lecture on cytology and histology. Topics include the nucleus, nucleolus, chromatin, nuclear envelope, and related components.

Nucleus

The largest organelle in the cell and the control center.

DNA

Blueprint stored in the form of DNA arranged in chromosomes.

Nucleoprotein

A protein found in the nucleus, including histones and non-histone proteins.

Histone Proteins

Positively charged proteins that bind tightly to DNA, controlling coiling and gene expression.

Non-Histone Proteins

Enzymes for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and regulatory proteins.

Nuclear RNA

Newly synthesized messenger, transfer, and ribosomal RNA that has not yet passed into the cytoplasm.

Nucleus Morphology

Often spherical and centrally located in the cell.

Unusual Nucleus Shapes

Cells where the nucleus may be spindle-shaped, twisted, lobulated, or disk-shaped.

Mature Red Blood Cells

Cells that have extruded nuclei.

Size and Shape of Nucleus

Useful in clinical diagnoses of the degree of malignancy of certain cancerous cells.

Smooth Muscle Cell Nuclei

Long ovals with squared-off ends, often called 'cigar-shaped'.

Epithelial Cells

Cells that have round nuclei.

Nerve Cells

Cells that have large nuclei and prominent nucleoli.

Regenerative Appearance

The appearance of epithelial cells dividing to heal a wound.

Malignant Cell Nuclei

Larger than normal and dark-staining.

Chromatin

Genetic material of the cell.

Nucleolus

Center for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis.

Nucleoplasm

Containing macromolecules and nuclear particles involved in the maintenance of the cell.

Chromatin Definition

Chromosomes in a different degree of uncoiling.

Heterochromatin

Electron dense and appears as basophilic clumps in the light microscope.

Euchromatin

Less coiled portion of the chromosomes, visible as lightly stained basophilic areas in the light microscope.

Chromatin Composition

Coiled strands of DNA bound to basic proteins (histones).

Nucleosome

Basic structural unit of chromatin including histones H2A, H2B, H3, and H4.

Core Histones

Histones, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4.

Nucleoli

Sites of ribosomal RNA synthesis and ribosome assembly.

Nuclear Envelope

Two layers of membrane with the intermembranous or perinuclear space between.

Outer Lipid Bilayer

Continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum and has ribosomes on its cytoplasmic face.

Nuclear Pores

Permit and regulate the exchange of metabolites, macromolecules, and ribosomal subunits between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

mRNA

Moving from the nucleus to the cytoplasm docks to the nuclear pore complex.

Histones

From cytoplasm to nucleus docks to the nuclear pore complex.