Week 3: Cell Functions

Central Dogma

The process by which DNA is replicated, transcribed into RNA, and then translated into proteins.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, specifically producing messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The process of converting the mRNA sequence into a polypeptide chain, forming proteins.

Cellular Respiration

The biochemical process that converts glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, a controlled process that eliminates cells without releasing harmful substances.

Glycolysis

The first step of cellular respiration that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, yielding ATP and NADH.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes and electron carriers that transfer electrons to oxygen, producing ATP.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in the cell, releasing energy when its phosphate bonds are broken.

Sister Chromatid

Each of the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome, joined at the centromere.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle during which the cell is not actively dividing but is preparing for division.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotide bases in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that produces four genetically unique haploid cells from a diploid parent cell.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two daughter cells following mitosis.

the complete balanced chemical formula for cellular respiration

C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy.