Introduction to Cell Biology

Practice before I go to the class (DONT TRUST ME)

mRNA Vaccines

Vaccines that utilize messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce harmless pieces of a virus's spike protein, triggering an immune response.

Katalin Kariko

A scientist who proposed using synthetic mRNA for vaccines, overcoming challenges of immune reaction and stability.

Lipid Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles used to encapsulate mRNA, allowing for efficient delivery into cells while protecting against degradation.

Spike Protein

A harmless piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus produced by cells after mRNA vaccination, which triggers an immune response.

Ribosomes

Cellular components that read mRNA instructions and synthesize proteins.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to recognize and neutralize pathogens.

T cells

A type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, which has low efficiency compared to solar panels.

Transgenic Plants

Plants that have been genetically modified to express new traits, such as enhanced photosynthetic efficiency.

Organoids

Miniature, simplified versions of organs created in vitro that can mimic the organ's function.

Xenotransplantation

Transplanting organs from one species to another, such as genetically engineered pig organs into humans.

CRISPR-Cas9

A gene-editing technology that allows for precise modifications of DNA.

Tissue Engineering

The branch of regenerative medicine that focuses on creating artificial tissues and organs.

Nanothylakoid Units (NTUs)

Artificial structures introduced into human cells to confer photosynthetic capabilities.

Plant-Based Biomanufacturing

The use of plants to produce biologics and pharmaceuticals, offering cost-effective and ethical production methods.

Galleri Test

A blood test developed by Grail that detects over 50 types of cancer using cell-free DNA.

Liquid Biopsy

A non-invasive test that examines circulating tumor cells or cfDNA in blood to detect cancer.

Biomarkers

Biological indicators used to detect or monitor disease, such as cancer.

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs)

A subpopulation of cells within a tumor that can self-renew and drive cancer progression.

P-Glycoprotein

A protein that pumps out drugs and toxins from cells, contributing to drug resistance.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A biological process used to inhibit gene expression, potentially overcoming drug resistance in cancer.

Immunoconjugates

Therapies that conjugate toxic agents like ricin to antibodies for targeted cancer treatment.

Sirtuin Genes

Genes associated with regulation of cellular processes related to aging and longevity.

Telomeres

Protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten with cell division and are associated with aging.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

Multipotent stem cells capable of differentiating into various cell types, used in regenerative medicine.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Adult cells reprogrammed to become pluripotent, providing similar potential to embryonic stem cells.

Synthetic Biology

The engineering discipline focused on designing and constructing biological systems with novel functions.

Cryosurgery

A technique that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues, particularly cancer cells.

Biotechnology

The use of living systems and organisms to develop or create products, widely used in medicine.

Regenerative Medicine

A field focused on healing or replacing damaged tissues and organs using biological techniques.

Mitochondrial DNA

The DNA located in mitochondria, which can impact energy metabolism and aging.

Microfluidic Devices

Tools that manipulate small amounts of fluids, utilized in innovations like organs-on-a-chip.

Personalized Medicine

Tailoring medical treatment to individual characteristics, especially genetic profiles.

Orphan Drug Act

U.S. legislation designed to encourage drug development for rare diseases.

Ethical Considerations in Genetic Testing

Issues related to privacy, informed consent, and potential discrimination arising from genetic information.

Synthetic mRNA

Man-made messenger RNA used in vaccines like those for COVID-19, providing instructions for protein synthesis.

Nano/micro robots

Robotic systems designed for applications in medical diagnostics and targeted drug delivery.

Antisense Oligonucleotides

Short, synthetic pieces of DNA or RNA used to modulate gene expression.

Bioengineering

Application of engineering principles to biological systems, including medical devices and food production.

Telemedicine

Remote diagnosis and treatment through telecommunications technology.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA)

DNA released into the bloodstream, used in non-invasive cancer detection methods.

Biomarkers of Aging

Biological indicators that help assess the aging process and related health risks.

RNA-Based Therapies

Strategies using RNA molecules to treat diseases by targeting specific genes.

Immunotherapy

Treatments that harness the body's immune system to fight diseases like cancer.

Cloning

The process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism, often subject to ethical debate.

Synthetic Cells

Cells engineered with man-made components, potentially leading to new functionalities in medicine.

Mitochondrial Enhancers

Substances aimed at boosting mitochondrial function, which declines with age.

Stem Cell Research Regulations

Legal and ethical guidelines governing the use and application of stem cells in research and therapy.

Tissue Regeneration

The process in which cells are stimulated to repair or replace damaged tissues.

Cancer Vaccine Development

Efforts aimed at creating vaccines that can prevent or treat cancer.

Personal Genomics

The study and application of genetic information to personal health and medicine.

Drug Development in Biopharma

The complex process of bringing new pharmaceuticals to market, including R&D and regulation.

5-ALA

A chemical compound used in photodynamic therapy, potentially for treating tumors.

NAD+ and Aging

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme whose levels decline with age, linked to aging and metabolic health.

Microbiome Research

The study of the collection of microbes living in and on the human body and their influence on health.

Bioinformatics

The application of computer technology to store, analyze, and manage biological data.

Pharmacogenomics

Study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs, helping to tailor medications.

Ethics in Stem Cell Research

The moral implications and regulatory challenges surrounding the use of stem cells in medicine.

Cellular Reprogramming

The process of changing one cell type into another, often used in regenerative medicine.