Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Lecture Notes

A collection of key terms and definitions related to biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cellular processes.

Nucleus

The part of the cell that makes and stores DNA and RNA, managing genetic instructions and cellular activity.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that modifies, folds, and transports proteins (Rough ER) and synthesizes lipids (Smooth ER).

Golgi Apparatus

The 'post office' of the cell, responsible for receiving and sending out proteins and lipids.

Lysosomes

The digestive system of the cell that uses enzymes to break down waste and damaged organelles.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound organelles that store water, nutrients, ions, and waste.

Chloroplast

An organelle responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP by turning glucose into energy.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure found in plant cells, made of cellulose, providing protection and support.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The flexible boundary of the cell membrane, composed of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Isotonic solution

A solution where the concentration of solute and solvent are equal on both sides of the membrane.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across the cell membrane without energy usage, including diffusion and osmosis.

Facilitated Diffusion

Transport of larger molecules into the cell using proteins, without energy.

Active Transport

The energy-dependent process of moving molecules against their concentration gradient.

Dehydration synthesis

The process of combining molecules by removing water, forming macromolecules.

Hydrolysis

The chemical process of splitting molecules by adding water.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment.

Feedback Loop

A system in which the output or response influences the input or action; can be negative or positive.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that filters blood and produces urine.

Hormone

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various functions in the body.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two distinct daughter cells after cell division.

DNA

A molecule made of nucleotides that stores hereditary information.

RNA

A single-stranded nucleic acid that plays a role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Transcription

The process of creating mRNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process where ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of codons in mRNA.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene, which can affect protein synthesis.