MCB 252: Cell Biology, Part 2 - Review Notes

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary from the MCB 252 lecture notes on cell biology, focusing on critical concepts related to the cytoskeleton, actin dynamics, and molecular evolution.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that organizes the structure and activities of the cell, including cell shape and movement.

Actin Filaments

Thin filaments in muscle cells and other cells that play a key role in muscle contraction and cell motility.

Treadmilling

The dynamic process where filamentous polymers grow at one end while disassembling at the other end, maintaining a constant overall length.

Myosin

A motor protein that interacts with actin to cause muscle contraction and movement in cells.

Intermediate Filaments (IFs)

Fibers that provide structural support and mechanical strength to cells, comprised of various proteins such as keratins.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms, which is crucial for development and homeostasis.

Neurofilaments

Intermediate filaments found in neurons that provide structural integrity to the axon.

Microtubules

Cylindrical structures made of tubulin that help support and shape the cell, and are involved in intracellular transport.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a extracellular signal is converted into a functional response within the cell.

Exon Shuffling

A molecular mechanism by which exons are rearranged to create new genes or protein domains.

Gene Duplication

The process by which a gene is copied in the genome, leading to genetic diversity and complexity.