Cell and Molecular Biology of Marine Organisms

These flashcards cover essential terminology and concepts from the Cell and Molecular Biology of Marine Organisms lecture notes.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and protein that contains genetic information.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer that provides support and protection to plant cells and some prokaryotes.

Binary Fission

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

Mitosis

A process of cell division in eukaryotes that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, encompassing G1, S, and G2 phases.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells with the ability to divide and differentiate into various cell types.

Diploid

A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell that contains only one complete set of chromosomes.

Trisomy 21

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, commonly known as Down Syndrome.

Gene Locus

The specific physical location of a gene or genetic marker on a chromosome.

Dominant Allele

An allele that masks the expression of another allele when both are present.

Recessive Allele

An allele that is only expressed in the absence of a dominant allele.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual organism.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism determined by its genotype.

Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

Mechanisms that control the expression of genes in eukaryotic cells.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

The type of RNA that, together with proteins, makes up the ribosomes.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

The type of RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Point Mutation

A mutation that causes the alteration of a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence.

Polygenic Inheritance

A form of inheritance where multiple genes influence a trait.

Codominance

A form of inheritance where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed.

DNA Replication

The process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself.

CRISPR

A groundbreaking gene-editing technology used to insert, delete, or modify DNA sequences.