BIO1004 - Molecular and Cell Biology Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture notes in Molecular and Cell Biology.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

A recessive genetic disorder affecting multiple systems, notably the lungs and pancreas, characterized by defective CFTR gene.

CFTR gene

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator gene found on chromosome 7, responsible for ion transport and water movement.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a cell membrane in response to concentration gradients of solutes.

Hydrophobic interaction

The tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in aqueous solutions, avoiding contact with water.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides essential for biological functions.

Peptide bond

A covalent chemical bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

Active site

The region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Enzyme inhibitors

Substances that decrease enzyme activity by binding to the active site or another site on the enzyme.

Polymerization

The process of combining smaller molecules (monomers) to form a larger, complex structure (polymer).

Functional groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Phospholipids

Amphipathic molecules that form the bilayer structure of cell membranes, consisting of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH as energy carriers.

Cell theory

The scientific theory that all living organisms are composed of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Endocytosis

The cellular process of engulfing material through the plasma membrane to form vesicles.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that is a normal part of development and cellular homeostasis.

Ion Channel

A protein structure that allows specific ions to pass through a cell membrane.

Covalent bond

A type of strong chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

Gene expression regulation

The control of the timing and amount of gene product, using mechanisms that turn genes on or off.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy.

DNA replication

The process of copying the DNA molecule to produce two identical DNA strands before cell division.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that may lead to alterations in gene function or expression.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs that transport materials within or outside cells.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division leading to the formation of tumors and tissue invasion.