General Biology: Cell Theory, Cell Cycle, and Genetic Inheritance

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Cell Theory, organelles, cell cycle regulation, genetic disorders, and the mechanics of mitosis and meiosis based on General Biology lessons.

Hypothesis

A science-field term referring to testable predictions, such as how sunlight affects plants.

Theory

A well-supported scientific explanation, such as Cell Theory.

Theorem

A proven mathematical truth.

Spontaneous Generation

A theory proposed by the ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle suggesting that living organisms could arise from non-living matter.

Francesco Redi

The first scientist to challenge the theory of spontaneous generation by using sealed jars of meat.

Hans and Zacharias Janssen

Creators of the compound microscope in $1590$.

Robert Hooke

Scientist who published Micrographia in $1665$, discovered tiny compartments in cork, and coined the term Cell.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek

The Father of microscopy who first observed bacteria, sperm cells, and blood cells in $1674$.

Lazzaro Spallanzani

Scientist who provided evidence against spontaneous generation in $1729$ by boiling nutrient broth to kill microorganisms.

Louis Pasteur

Scientist who finally disproved spontaneous generation in $1872$ by showing boiled broth remained free of microbes in swan-neck flasks.

Matthias Schleiden

German botanist who stated in $1838$ that all plants are composed of cells.

Theodore Schwann

German zoologist who concluded in $1839$ that all animals are made up of cells.

Rudolf Virchow

German biologist who observed dividing cells in $1855$ and stated that all living cells come from pre-existing cells.

Classical Cell Theory

The three-part theory stating all organisms are composed of cells, the cell is the unit of structure and function, and cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Modern Cell Theory

An expanded theory stating cells contain hereditary information ($DNA$), share similar chemical compositions, and that cell activity depends on sub-cellular structures.

Cell Membrane

The gatekeeper of the cell that controls what enters and exits, provides protection, and helps in communication.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like fluid that fills the cell, holds organelles, and serves as the site for many chemical reactions.

Nucleus

The control center or brain of the cell that contains $DNA$ and controls growth, reproduction, and activities.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy in the form of $ATP$ to fuel cellular work.

Ribosomes

Small structures that act as factories to make proteins like enzymes and antibodies.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Organelle that builds, modifies, and processes proteins and lipids for hormone production and muscle repair.

Golgi Apparatus

The organelle responsible for packaging and shipping proteins, such as insulin.

Lysosome

The cell structure that digests waste and harmful materials to prevent cell damage.

Centrosome

Structure that organizes cell division, essential for tissue repair and growth.

Vacuole

Storage site for water, nutrients, and waste; helps plants stand tall and survive drought.

Plastids (Chloroplasts)

Organelles involved in photosynthesis and pigment production, enabling plants to make food using sunlight.

Cell Wall

A structure providing support and protection in plants, allowing them to stand upright without bones.

$G_1$ Checkpoint

Located at the end of $G_1$, it checks for cell size, nutrients, and $DNA$ damage; failure leads to the $G_0$ phase.

$G_2$ Checkpoint

Located at the end of $G_2$, it checks for $DNA$ replication completeness; failure leads to cell cycle arrest and repair attempts.

M Checkpoint

Occurs during Mitosis to ensure chromosomes are properly attached and aligned; failure leads to cell cycle arrest.

Interphase

The longest phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and prepares for division, consisting of $G_1$, $S$, and $G_2$ stages.

$S$ phase

The Synthesis stage of Interphase where $DNA$ replication occurs.

Mitosis

The process by which somatic cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells for growth and repair.

Cancer

A disease caused by uncontrolled cell division when cell cycle checkpoints fail to stop damaged cells from dividing.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by Trisomy $21$, characterized by intellectual disability, distinct facial features, and heart defects.

Turner Syndrome

A condition in females caused by Monosomy X ($45,X$), leading to short stature and infertility.

Trisomy X

A condition in females caused by an extra X chromosome ($47,XXX$), often resulting in tall stature and learning difficulties.

Patau Syndrome

A condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome $13$ ($Trisomy 13$), often fatal within the first year.

Edwards Syndrome

A condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome $18$ ($Trisomy 18$), involving severe developmental delays and clenched fists.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A disorder caused by a mutation in the $HBB$ gene, leading to crescent-shaped red blood cells.

Huntington's Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the $HTT$ gene featuring $CAG$ repeat expansion.

Tay-Sachs Disease

A fatal condition caused by a defective $HEX A$ gene leading to fat buildup in brain cells.

Chromatid

Each half of a duplicated chromosome that ensures correct $DNA$ distribution.

Centromere

The middle constriction joining chromatids that guides chromosome movement during division.

Telomere

The ends of a chromosome that protect $DNA$ from damage and are studied in aging research.

p arm

The short section or short arm of a chromosome.

q arm

The long section or long arm of a chromosome containing most of the $DNA$.

Chromatin

The uncoiled form of $DNA$ and proteins that regulates gene activity.

Walther Flemming

The founder of cytogenetics who coined the term mitosis in $1879$.

Meiosis

A process involving sex cells that reduces the chromosome number by half and introduces genetic variation.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I of meiosis.

Chromosome Theory of Inheritance

A theory by Boveri and Sutton stating that genes are located on chromosomes and their behavior during meiosis explains trait inheritance.