Cell Biology Concepts Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to cellular biology concepts including cellular structures, processes, and functions essential for understanding cell division, cell signaling, and intracellular activities.

Ligand

Molecules that bind with macromolecules like proteins, functioning in cellular signaling.

Receptor Site

The location where ligands bind to receptors, initiating cellular responses.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An extensive interconnected membrane network involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, packages, and ships proteins from the ER; often compared to a shipping center.

Lysosome

A small organelle containing digestive enzymes for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.

Peroxisome

An organelle responsible for lipid synthesis and chemical digestion through enzyme activity.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that supports cell shape and structure, involved in intracellular transport.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, where aerobic respiration and energy production occur.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins based on the sequence of messenger RNA (mRNA).

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA by copying DNA during transcription.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures that help organize microtubules for cell division.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that removes damaged or unwanted cells in a controlled manner.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and proteins that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Exocytosis

The process by which a cell expels materials through vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane.

Gap Junctions

Cell junctions that allow for direct communication between adjacent cells through protein tunnels.

Desmosomes

Cell junctions that provide mechanical stability by anchoring cells to each other.

Tight Junctions

Junctions that create a barrier to prevent leakage of substances between cells.

Somatic Cells

All body cells except the germ line cells; they undergo mitosis for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that produces haploid gametes.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Anticodon

A set of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA.

Polysome

A cluster of ribosomes reading a single strand of mRNA simultaneously to enhance protein synthesis.

Nuclear Pores

Small openings in the nuclear envelope that allow for the transport of molecules like RNA.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins to form during cytokinesis in animal cells, leading to cell division.

Introns

Non-coding regions of RNA that are removed during RNA processing.

Exons

Coding regions of RNA that are expressed and retained after splicing.