L38 Cellular Aspects of Development

These flashcards cover key concepts related to polarity and cellular development in plants, focusing on definitions and processes involved in maintaining cellular structure and function.

Polarity

A fundamental property of organisms characterized by direction or differing properties at opposing ends.

Cell Division

The process through which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, influencing cell placement and contact.

Actin

A protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining cell polarity and drives motility through interactions with myosin.

Auxin

A plant hormone that regulates growth and is crucial for maintaining apical-basal polarity by creating hormonal gradients.

Pin Proteins

Efflux carriers responsible for transporting auxin out of cells, influencing plant structure and polarity.

Calcium (Ca2+)

A key regulatory ion that influences cellular processes, including polarity and actin organization.

Germination

The process by which a seed develops into a new plant, leading to cellular polarity based on environmental cues.

Cytoplasmic Streaming (Cyclosis)

The movement of the cytoplasm within a cell, driven by actin and myosin.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, important for maintaining tissue structure.

Osmotic Gradient

The difference in solute concentration across a membrane, directing cell growth and polarity towards areas of higher water concentration.