_10__Apoptosis-Mito

Cell Cycle

The series of phases through which a cell goes to divide and produce two daughter cells.

Cyclin

A protein that regulates the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks).

Cdk (Cyclin-dependent kinase)

Enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, phosphorylate target proteins to regulate the cell cycle.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death characterized by a series of biochemical events leading to cellular demise without causing inflammation.

p53

A tumor suppressor protein that regulates the cell cycle and can induce apoptosis in the case of DNA damage.

Cytochrome C

A protein involved in the electron transport chain that, when released from the mitochondria, triggers the apoptotic cascade.

Bcl-2 Protein Family

A group of proteins that regulate apoptosis by controlling the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria.

Apaf1

A protein that becomes activated by cytochrome C and helps form the apoptosome leading to caspase activation.

Caspase

A family of proteases that play essential roles in apoptosis by cleaving specific substrates in the cell.

Caspase Cascade

A series of caspases that activate one another, leading to systematic disassembly of the cell during apoptosis.

DNA Laddering

A specific pattern of DNA fragmentation observed during apoptosis, visualized as distinct bands on a gel.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells, like macrophages, engulf and digest cellular debris or apoptotic bodies.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells, involved in various biological processes.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the electron transport chain to generate ATP.

Krebs Cycle (TCA Cycle)

A series of enzymatic reactions within the mitochondrial matrix that processes acetyl CoA to produce energy carriers.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, yielding small amounts of ATP and NADH.

Acetyl CoA

A key metabolic intermediate formed from pyruvate, fatty acids, and some amino acids, entering the Krebs cycle.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can cause cellular damage, often generated during metabolic processes.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance within cells that contains organelles and is the site for many cellular processes.