Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cell biology and molecular genetics.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell membrane where various organelles are located.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins from amino acids, found in cytoplasm and on rough ER.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA located within mitochondria that encodes proteins essential for mitochondrial function.

Endomembrane system

A system of membranes within eukaryotic cells, including the ER and Golgi apparatus, responsible for protein and lipid processing.

Glycosylation

The process of adding carbohydrates to proteins, which is essential for protein stability.

Signal sequence

An amino acid sequence that directs the transport of the protein to specific cellular destinations.

Nucleic acids

Biological macromolecules, DNA and RNA, made up of nucleotides.

DNA replication

The process of making copies of DNA molecules, crucial during cell division.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotic cells where the cell divides into two identical cells.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Cell theory

The scientific theory that all living things are composed of cells, and all cells arise from existing cells.

Signal transduction

The process by which a cell responds to signals from its environment, often involving receptors and secondary messengers.

Proton gradients

Differences in proton concentration across a membrane, which are essential for ATP synthesis.

Extracellular matrix

A network outside cells providing support, anchoring cells, and facilitating communication.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, essential for growth and maintaining cell health.

Quaternary structure

The complex structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains assemble into a functional protein.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein that forms chromosomes within the nucleus during cell division.

SRP (Signal Recognition Particle)

A ribonucleoprotein that recognizes the signal sequence of proteins destined for the endoplasmic reticulum.

Transformation in prokaryotes

The genetic alteration of a prokaryotic cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA.

Proofreading in DNA replication

The process by which DNA polymerase checks and corrects errors during DNA synthesis.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell membrane where various organelles are located.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins from amino acids, found in cytoplasm and on rough ER.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA located within mitochondria that encodes proteins essential for mitochondrial function.

Endomembrane system

A system of membranes within eukaryotic cells, including the ER and Golgi apparatus, responsible for protein and lipid processing.

Glycosylation

The process of adding carbohydrates to proteins, which is essential for protein stability.

Signal sequence

An amino acid sequence that directs the transport of the protein to specific cellular destinations.

Nucleic acids

Biological macromolecules, DNA and RNA, made up of nucleotides.

DNA replication

The process of making copies of DNA molecules, crucial during cell division.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotic cells where the cell divides into two identical cells.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Cell theory

The scientific theory that all living things are composed of cells, and all cells arise from existing cells.

Signal transduction

The process by which a cell responds to signals from its environment, often involving receptors and secondary messengers.

Proton gradients

Differences in proton concentration across a membrane, which are essential for ATP synthesis.

Extracellular matrix

A network outside cells providing support, anchoring cells, and facilitating communication.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, essential for growth and maintaining cell health.

Quaternary structure

The complex structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains assemble into a functional protein.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein that forms chromosomes within the nucleus during cell division.

SRP (Signal Recognition Particle)

A ribonucleoprotein that recognizes the signal sequence of proteins destined for the endoplasmic reticulum.

Transformation in prokaryotes

The genetic alteration of a prokaryotic cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA.

Proofreading in DNA replication

The process by which DNA polymerase checks and corrects errors during DNA synthesis.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells possess both, being generally larger and more complex.

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids synthesized in the ER for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their main functions?

1. Rough ER (RER): studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis and modification for secretion or insertion into membranes. 2. Smooth ER (SER): lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell membrane where various organelles are located.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins from amino acids, found in cytoplasm and on rough ER.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA located within mitochondria that encodes proteins essential for mitochondrial function.

Endomembrane system

A system of membranes within eukaryotic cells, including the ER and Golgi apparatus, responsible for protein and lipid processing.

Glycosylation

The process of adding carbohydrates to proteins, which is essential for protein stability.

Signal sequence

An amino acid sequence that directs the transport of the protein to specific cellular destinations.

Nucleic acids

Biological macromolecules, DNA and RNA, made up of nucleotides.

DNA replication

The process of making copies of DNA molecules, crucial during cell division.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotic cells where the cell divides into two identical cells.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Cell theory

The scientific theory that all living things are composed of cells, and all cells arise from existing cells.

Signal transduction

The process by which a cell responds to signals from its environment, often involving receptors and secondary messengers.

Proton gradients

Differences in proton concentration across a membrane, which are essential for ATP synthesis.

Extracellular matrix

A network outside cells providing support, anchoring cells, and facilitating communication.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, essential for growth and maintaining cell health.

Quaternary structure

The complex structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains assemble into a functional protein.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein that forms chromosomes within the nucleus during cell division.

SRP (Signal Recognition Particle)

A ribonucleoprotein that recognizes the signal sequence of proteins destined for the endoplasmic reticulum.

Transformation in prokaryotes

The genetic alteration of a prokaryotic cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA.

Proofreading in DNA replication

The process by which DNA polymerase checks and corrects errors during DNA synthesis.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells possess both, being generally larger and more complex.

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids synthesized in the ER for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their main functions?

1. Rough ER (RER): studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis and modification for secretion or insertion into membranes. 2. Smooth ER (SER): lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell membrane where various organelles are located.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins from amino acids, found in cytoplasm and on rough ER.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA located within mitochondria that encodes proteins essential for mitochondrial function.

Endomembrane system

A system of membranes within eukaryotic cells, including the ER and Golgi apparatus, responsible for protein and lipid processing.

Glycosylation

The process of adding carbohydrates to proteins, which is essential for protein stability.

Signal sequence

An amino acid sequence that directs the transport of the protein to specific cellular destinations.

Nucleic acids

Biological macromolecules, DNA and RNA, made up of nucleotides.

DNA replication

The process of making copies of DNA molecules, crucial during cell division.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotic cells where the cell divides into two identical cells.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Cell theory

The scientific theory that all living things are composed of cells, and all cells arise from existing cells.

Signal transduction

The process by which a cell responds to signals from its environment, often involving receptors and secondary messengers.

Proton gradients

Differences in proton concentration across a membrane, which are essential for ATP synthesis.

Extracellular matrix

A network outside cells providing support, anchoring cells, and facilitating communication.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, essential for growth and maintaining cell health.

Quaternary structure

The complex structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains assemble into a functional protein.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein that forms chromosomes within the nucleus during cell division.

SRP (Signal Recognition Particle)

A ribonucleoprotein that recognizes the signal sequence of proteins destined for the endoplasmic reticulum.

Transformation in prokaryotes

The genetic alteration of a prokaryotic cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA.

Proofreading in DNA replication

The process by which DNA polymerase checks and corrects errors during DNA synthesis.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells possess both, being generally larger and more complex.

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids synthesized in the ER for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their main functions?

1. Rough ER (RER): studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis and modification for secretion or insertion into membranes. 2. Smooth ER (SER): lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.