Cell Biology Techniques and Cytoskeleton Functions

Flashcards covering key techniques in cell biology and functions of the cytoskeleton.

Cell Culture

The process of growing cells under controlled conditions.

Primary Cells

Cells that are best used for studying tissue-specific traits.

Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting (FACS)

A technique used to sort cells based on fluorescence.

Flow Cytometry

A method used to analyze cell surface markers and sort various cell populations.

Bright-field/Phase Contrast/DIC Microscopy

Techniques best for imaging live, unstained cells.

Confocal Microscopy

Allows for high-resolution 3D imaging of thick specimens.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

A technique that visualizes detailed internal cell structures.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Method used for studying the surface of cells in 3D.

SDS-PAGE and Western Blot

Techniques that separate proteins based on size.

Western Blot

A method used to analyze protein size and expression levels.

Affinity Chromatography

A technique used to purify proteins from a complex mixture.

Mass Spectrometry

Technique that uses tags like His-tags for protein purification.

PCR/qPCR

Method used for amplifying DNA sequences.

CRISPR/Cas9

A gene-editing technology used to edit genomes in a precise way.

RNA Interference (RNAi)

A method used to knock down gene expression without altering DNA.

Yeast Two-Hybrid System

A technique that detects protein-protein interactions.

X-ray Crystallography and NMR

Techniques used to determine a protein's 3D structure.

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes used to cut DNA at specific sites.

Southern Blot

Method used to detect specific DNA sequences on a membrane.

Gel Electrophoresis

Technique used to separate DNA fragments.

Cytoskeleton

A cellular structure providing flexibility, contraction, and maintaining cell shape.

Microfilament/Actin Filament

Cytoskeletal element involved in cell contraction and shape maintenance.

Microtubules

The thickest cytoskeletal filament type, involved in various cellular functions.

Intermediate Filaments

Filaments that provide tensile strength to cells.

Actin Filaments

Made of 2-stranded helical polymers of the actin protein.

Treadmilling

A process where a filament grows at the plus end and shrinks at the minus end.

Catastrophe

Rapid microtubule shrinkage after GTP cap loss.

Myosin

A motor protein that moves along actin filaments, powered by ATP hydrolysis.

Power Stroke

The phase when ADP is released during muscle contraction.

Rigor State

Condition where myosin is bound to actin without ATP, causing muscle stiffness.