Foundations of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Foundations of Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology lecture, focusing on terminology related to cellular and molecular biology.

Classification of life

The process of categorizing living organisms based on shared characteristics.

16S rRNA

A ribosomal RNA sequence used to classify and identify prokaryotic organisms.

Domains of life

The three main classifications of life: Eukarya, Archaea, and Bacteria.

Homeostasis

The ability of a living organism to maintain stable internal conditions.

Energy processing

The manner in which living organisms convert food into energy.

Evolution

The process by which species change over time through mutation and selection.

Information flow

The manner in which genetic information is expressed and regulated within an organism.

Structure and function

The principle that the structure of a biological part directly relates to its function.

Biological systems

Complex networks of interacting molecules and cells that work together to maintain life.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus, including bacteria.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Archaea

A domain of life that consists of prokaryotes distinct from bacteria, often in extreme environments.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell that contains organelles and is the site of metabolic activity.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy through cellular respiration.

Plasma membrane

The lipid bilayer that encloses a cell, controlling the passage of substances in and out.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that provide structural support to the cell.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that aid in the movement of certain cells.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures that help in cell movement or moving substances across the cell surface.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound sacs in plant cells that store substances and maintain turgor pressure.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis.

Endoplasmic reticulum

An organelle that synthesizes proteins and lipids; exists in rough and smooth forms.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain enzymes for digestion and recycling of cellular components.

Aquifex

A genus of bacteria that thrive in high-temperature environments.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that makes up the cell wall of bacteria, providing structural support.

DNA

The molecule that carries genetic information in organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, involved in decoding DNA into proteins.

Capsid

The protein shell of a virus that encases its genetic material.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound structures that transport substances within a cell.

Hypervariable regions

Segments in the 16S rRNA that vary between different species, used for classification.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains a cell's genetic material.

Cell wall

A rigid layer that provides structural support and protection to plant cells.

E. coli

A common bacterium found in the intestines of humans and other animals.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a retrovirus that attacks the immune system.

Evolutionary biology

The study of the origins and changes in the diversity of life over time.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to variation in organisms.

Bacterial microcompartments

Protein shells found in some bacteria that encapsulate enzymes and metabolites.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells absorb molecules by engulfing them.

Exocytosis

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

Thermodynamics

The branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work.

Chemical transformation pathways

Biochemical routes through which substances are converted in living organisms.

Decarboxylation

The removal of a carboxyl group from a molecule, which can be a step in metabolic processes.

Cytosol

The fluid component of the cytoplasm where many cellular processes occur.

Metabolic reactions

Chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

Genetic information

Instructions encoded in DNA that govern the growth and functioning of living organisms.

Proteins

Molecules made up of amino acids that perform various functions in cells.

Biodiversity

The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem.

Phylogenetic tree

A diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among various biological species.

Ribosomal RNA gene

The sequence of ribosomal RNA used for phylogenetic studies.

Polar covalent bonds

Chemical bonds formed when electrons are not equally shared between two atoms.

Ionic bonds

Electrostatic forces that hold ions together in ionic compounds.

Hydrogen bonds

Weak attractions between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Functional groups

Specific collections of atoms that influence the behavior and reactivity of organic molecules.

Biological macromolecules

Large complex molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Gene expression

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

Viral diseases

Illnesses caused by viruses, such as influenza or HIV/AIDS.

Virus classification

The categorization of viruses based on characteristics such as genome type and structure.