Final Exam Review for Cell Biology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on cell biology in preparation for the final exam.

Active Transport

The process of moving molecules across a membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, using energy.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Null Hypothesis

A statement that there is no effect or no difference, serving as a starting point for statistical testing.

Alternative Hypothesis

A statement that there is an effect or a difference, contrary to the null hypothesis.

Histones

Proteins that help package and order DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.

Aquaporins

Proteins that form channels for water to pass through the cell membrane more efficiently.

Exocytosis

The process of vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane to release their contents outside the cell.

Endocytosis

The process of taking in materials by engulfing them in a membrane.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

ATP

A molecule that carries energy within cells.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy.

DNA vs RNA

DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine, while RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to the production of gametes.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to abnormal protein formation.

CRISPR CAS9

A gene editing technology that allows for precise alterations in DNA.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product.

Clinical Testing Phases

Phases of drug testing that include safety, effectiveness, comparison to standard treatments, and monitoring post-approval.