Cell Membrane Anatomy, Tonicity, Mitosis, and Cellular Processes

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering cell membrane composition, tonicity, mitosis stages, cell organelles, genetics, transport types, cellular respiration, and enzyme properties based on the lecture guide.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The two-layered phospholipid structure that forms the primary core structure of the cell membrane.

Hydrophilic Head

The water-loving portion of a phospholipid that faces outward toward watery environments on both the outside and inside of the cell.

Hydrophobic Tails

The water-fearing portion of a phospholipid that faces inward toward each other in the middle of the membrane, away from water.

Cholesterol

A component embedded within the cell membrane to maintain its stability and fluidity.

Integral Proteins

Proteins embedded directly within the membrane that assist with transport and communication by acting as channels, carriers, receptors, and other transport mechanisms.

Carbohydrate Chains

Structures attached to proteins or lipids on the exterior surface of the membrane that aid in cell recognition and communication.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution where the net movement of water is OUT of the cell, causing the cell to shrink.

Isotonic Solution

A solution where there is equal water movement in and out of the cell, causing the cell to stay normal.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution where the net movement of water is IN to the cell, causing the cell to swell and burst.

Interphase

The cell cycle stage where the cell grows, performs normal metabolic functions, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division.

Prophase

The mitotic stage where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope begins breaking down, and spindle fibers begin forming.

Metaphase

The mitotic stage where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell along the metaphase plate and spindle fibers attach to them.

Anaphase

The mitotic stage where sister chromatids separate and are pulled apart by spindle fibers toward opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The mitotic stage where chromosomes reach opposite poles, new nuclear envelopes form around each set of uncoiling chromosomes, and two new nuclei form.

I Picked My Apple Today

Mnemonic device representing the full cell cycle order sequence: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase ($\text{I} \rightarrow \text{P} \rightarrow \text{M} \rightarrow \text{A} \rightarrow \text{T}$).

Lysosome

A membranous sac containing digestive enzymes that is involved in phagocytosis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of interconnected membranes within the cell.

Nucleus

The organelle that directs cell activities.

Nucleolus

A region within the nucleus involved in active transcription.

Vesicle

A membranous sac used for cellular storage and transport.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that packages cellular products for export.

Ribosomes

Structures composed of protein and rRNA that serve as the site of protein synthesis (translation).

Mitochondria

An organelle that synthesizes ATP and is highly abundant in muscle cells.

Centrioles

Organelles that produce spindle fibers during mitosis.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that break down and eliminate hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$).

Microtubules

Structures that maintain cell shape and facilitate movement inside the cell.

Cytoplasm

The cellular fluid containing organelles inside the cell membrane.

Central Dogma

The principle that genes code for proteins from amino acids, with gene expression occurring when a gene is both transcribed and translated.

Histones

Proteins that package DNA.

Chromatin

Long, uncoiled strands of DNA.

Chromosomes

Thick, condensed forms of DNA.

Transcription

The process taking place in the nucleus where RNA is synthesized from a DNA template.

Translation

The process taking place in the cytoplasm on ribosomes that synthesizes proteins, requiring ATP, ribosomes, mRNA, and amino acids.

Codons

mRNA sequences read in groups of $3$ nucleotides.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA found within ribosomes.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that carries amino acids to ribosomes.

Simple Diffusion

The movement of molecules (e.g., fatty acids, lipids, oxygen, $CO_2$) from high to low concentration.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport of molecules across the membrane requiring a special carrier or channel protein.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a membrane.

Active Transport

Process that moves large molecules (e.g., glucose, amino acids) against a concentration gradient using ATP and transporters.

Pinocytosis

Cellular drinking, defined as the ingestion of fluid.

Phagocytosis

Cellular eating, defined as the ingestion of solid particles.

Glycolysis

An anaerobic process occurring in the cytoplasm that requires an initial ATP input and splits glucose into pyruvate.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

A stage of cellular respiration that starts with Acetyl-CoA, generates $CO_2$, and produces $2\text{ ATP}$ per glucose molecule under low-oxygen conditions.

Electron Transport System (ETS)

A stage of cellular respiration in the mitochondria that requires oxygen ($O_2$) and generates the majority of ATP and heat.

Denaturation

The breakdown of hydrogen bonds caused by excess heat, altering an enzyme's structure and destroying its function.

Hexokinase

An enzyme that converts glucose into glucose-6-phosphate.