Overview of Cell Biology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cell biology, aiding students in their understanding and preparation for exams.

Biology

A science that explores living things and life processes.

Cell

The basic unit of all living matter, essential for life.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Protoplasm

The chemical building material for all living things that carries on metabolic processes.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which proteins are produced, involving the arrangement of amino acids.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as organic catalysts to increase the rate of biochemical reactions.

Hormones

Chemical secretions produced by endocrine glands that regulate body functions.

Antibodies

Protein molecules produced by B lymphocytes to neutralize foreign invaders.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds serving as short-term energy warehouses for the body.

Lipids

Fats or fatlike substances that are structural parts of cell membranes.

Nucleic Acids

Large complex macromolecules, including DNA and RNA, that store and transmit genetic information.

DNA

The master chemical that contains the genetic information necessary for cell function and replication.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, which transmits genetic information and is involved in protein synthesis.

Chromosomes

Threadlike structures composed of DNA that carry genetic information.

Human Genome

The total amount of genetic material contained within human chromosomes.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Mitosis

The process by which a cell divides its nucleus and cytoplasm to form two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four gametes.

Monozygotic twins

Identical twins that originate from a single fertilized egg.

Dizygotic twins

Fraternal twins that originate from two different fertilized eggs.