Cell Functions: The Cell Cycle, Growth, Death, and Differentiation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the cell cycle, apoptosis, and cancer, aiding in understanding cellular processes.

Apoptosis

A tightly controlled form of programmed cell death that allows for the removal of cells without spilling their contents.

Necrosis

Uncontrolled cell death resulting from severe damage, causing cell swelling and rupture, leading to inflammation.

Extrinsic pathway

The apoptotic pathway initiated by external signals, such as death ligands binding to death receptors on the cell surface.

Intrinsic pathway

The apoptotic pathway initiated from within the cell, often involving mitochondrial signals.

Caspase

A family of proteins that play essential roles in apoptosis, including the execution phase of cell death.

Traumatic necrosis

Cell death due to external physical injury or infection, which is uncontrolled and leads to inflammation.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens.

Blebbing

The formation of bulges (blebs) in the membrane of a cell undergoing apoptosis.

p53 gene

A gene that encodes a protein crucial for regulating the cell cycle and thus functions as a tumor suppressor.

Malignant

Referring to cancer cells that grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues.