Week 9 A - Life and Death of Cells and Organisms

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to the life and death of cells and organisms as discussed in the lecture notes.

Telomere Length

The length of the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, which affects cell lifespan and stability.

DNA Damage Repair

The process by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.

Autophagy

The cellular process of degrading and recycling cellular components, also known as 'self-eating'.

Sirtuins

A family of proteins that regulate cellular health and longevity, often associated with deacetylation and metabolic control.

Insulin/IGF Signaling

A biochemical pathway that plays a critical role in growth, metabolism, and aging.

Subclinical Aging

A stage of aging where physiological changes occur without outward symptoms.

Cellular Senescence

The process by which cells lose the ability to divide and grow, often as a response to DNA damage.

Chronic Dietary Restriction

A dietary regime where calorie intake is reduced, which has been shown to extend lifespan in various organisms.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC)

Stem cells that give rise to blood cells; they show altered properties with aging.

Progeroid Syndromes

Genetic disorders that mimic the symptoms of aging at an accelerated rate.

Aging-Associated Changes

The gradual decline in physiological functions of cells and tissues over time.

Adaptive Immune Cells

Immune cells such as T cells and B cells that adapt to specific pathogens after exposure.

Innate Immune Cells

Non-specific immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils that provide immediate defense against pathogens.

DNA Lesions

Molecular damage to DNA that can lead to mutations and may affect cellular function.

Cell Proliferation

The process by which cells divide and reproduce to create new cells.

Antioxidants

Substances that inhibit oxidation and combat oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular damage.

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth and division.

Cell Replacement

The process of replacing old or damaged cells with new ones through cell division.

Oxidative Stress

Damage to cells caused by reactive oxygen species that can lead to aging and diseases.

Cell Division Cycle

The series of phases through which a cell goes to replicate and divide into two daughter cells.