Lecture 1: Intro to Cellular and Molecular Biology

What is cell and molecular biology?

A discipline that examines the structure and function of cells at cellular and molecular levels.

What are the key components of the cell theory?

1. All organisms are comprised of cells. 2. Cells are the smallest units of living organisms.

Who first identified cells and when?

Robert Hooke in 1665

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

It acts as a barrier regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Describe the cytoplasm.

A semifluid matrix surrounding organelles within the cell, containing the cytoskeleton.

What is housed within the nucleus?

DNA, specifically 46 chromosomes in human cells.

What is the role of mitochondria?

They perform cellular respiration and produce ATP for energy.

Which organelles are responsible for photosynthesis?

Chloroplasts, unique to plant cells.

What is the function of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

Synthesizes lipids and proteins.

What distinguishes plant cells from animal cells?

Plant cells have chloroplasts and large central vacuoles, while animal cells have lysosomes and centrioles.

What are the three main types of filaments in the cytoskeleton?

Microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.

List the properties that define life.

Order, reproduction, growth and development, energy harvest from the environment, homeostasis, response to environment, and evolution.

What are prokaryotes?

Cells that lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What are eukaryotes?

Multicellular or unicellular cells with membrane bound organelles and a true nucleus.

Name some model organisms used in biological research.

Yeast, roundworm, planarian, mouse, alga, fruit fly, zebrafish, plants.

What significant assertion did Virchow make in 1855?

Cells arise from pre-existing cells.

What was established by Mendel's work in 1865?

The concept of heredity and genes.

When was the human genome sequencing project completed?

In 2000.

What major advancement in molecular biology occurred in 1953?

The elucidation of DNA structure by Watson and Crick.

What is the significance of cell and molecular biology?

It enhances understanding of biology with implications in medicine, genetics, and biotechnology.