Biol 123 Lecture: Cytoskeleton and Tissues

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture on cytoskeleton and tissue functions.

Tissue

A collection of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Epithelial Tissue

A type of tissue that covers outside of the body, inside of the gut, and blood vessels.

Connective Tissue

A type of tissue characterized by few cells and substantial amounts of extracellular matrix, providing support and strength.

Microfilament

A thin, helical structure composed of actin monomers, involved in cell shape and movement.

Microtubule

A hollow tube formed from tubulin dimers, providing structural support and functioning in intracellular transport.

Intermediate Filament

A strong fiber composed of intermediate filament protein subunits, important for mechanical strength in cells and tissues.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A network of proteins and other substances outside of cells that provide structural and biochemical support.

Fibroblast

The main cell type in connective tissue that synthesizes extracellular matrix.

Cilia

Cellular projections that assist in movement through coordinated beating, driven by microtubules and dynein.

Myosin

A motor protein that interacts with microfilaments to mediate muscle contraction and cellular movements.

Kinesin

A motor protein that transports vesicles along microtubules towards the plus-end.

Dynein

A motor protein that moves vesicles along microtubules towards the minus-end.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers in the cell that provides structural support, shape, and facilitates movement.

Basal Lamina

A layer of extracellular matrix that epithelial tissues are always attached to.

Cellular Adhesion

The process by which cells interact and attach to neighboring cells through cell junctions.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin, primarily comprised of epithelial tissue.

Dermis

The inner layer of skin consisting of connective tissue that supports the epidermis.

Actin Monomers

The building blocks of microfilaments that form filaments to provide structure and movement.

Proteoglycans

Large molecules of the ECM that consist of a core protein and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains.

Chromosome Segregation

The process during cell division where chromatids are separated and moved to opposite poles of the cell.

Wound Healing

The process of tissue repair that involves the regeneration of cells, guided by connective tissue.

Desmosomes

Cell junctions that provide strong adhesion between neighboring cells in epithelial tissue.

Cell Migration

The process by which cells move from one location to another, often facilitated by the cytoskeleton.

Cell Division (Cytokinesis)

The process where a single cell divides into two daughter cells, involving microfilaments.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA.

Garry Oak Ecosystem

A type of ecosystem studied in relation to VIU's Restoration project, focusing on environmental conservation.

Motor Proteins

Proteins that are responsible for movement along cytoskeletal components within cells.