Biology: Eukaryotic Cells and Cell Division

Flashcards covering the characteristics of eukaryotic cells, the differences between plant and animal cells, the process of mitosis, and the mechanics of DNA and protein synthesis.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus where the genetic material (DNA in the form of chromosomes) is located, including animal, plant, and fungal cells.

Chromosomes

Long threads of DNA found in the nucleus; when a cell is not dividing, humans have $46$ of these.

Nucleus

The cell's "control center" that contains the DNA and is surrounded by a nuclear membrane made of fats and proteins.

Cell Membrane

A structure made of fats and protein that surrounds the cytoplasm and controls which substances enter and exit the cell.

Cytoplasm

A viscous fluid containing various structures within the cell membrane.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer found in plant and fungal cells (but not animal cells) that provides strength and stiffness.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy for the cell through the process of cellular respiration.

Ribosomes

The organelles responsible for producing proteins by reading genetic sequences.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that contain the green pigment chlorophyll and are used for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process where plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into sugar and oxygen.

Vacuole

A water-filled structure that helps keep plants rigid; plants typically have one large one, while animal cells have small ones or none.

Mitosis

A type of cell division resulting in two new daughter cells that are genetically identical to the mother cell.

DNA

A molecule shaped like a twisted ladder (double helix) that carries genetic information and serves as a recipe for proteins.

Nucleotide

The building block of DNA consisting of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base.

Nitrogenous Bases

The four units in DNA called Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G) that determine the protein code.

Central Dogma

The process of genetic information flow consisting of three phases: Replication, Transcription, and Translation.

Replication

The process occurring in the interphase where the entire DNA is copied before the cell divides.

Transcription

The process of rewriting a section of DNA into RNA, which occurs in the cell nucleus.

Translation

The process where mRNA is translated into amino acids at the ribosomes to form a protein.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

A single-stranded RNA version of a gene responsible for transferring genetic codes from DNA to the ribosomes.

Base Pairing Principle

The rule where Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T) in DNA (or Uracil in RNA), and Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C).

Protein

A molecule built from $20$ different types of amino acids in a specific sequence determined by DNA.

Gene

A section on one DNA strand (the coding strand) that codes for a specific protein.

Template Strand

The DNA strand that is used as a pattern to be translated into RNA.

Uracil (U)

The nitrogenous base found in RNA that replaces Thymine (T) and binds to Adenine (A).

Triplet

A sequence of three nucleotides on an mRNA strand that serves as the code for one specific amino acid.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

A molecule with a triplet at one end that binds to mRNA and carries the corresponding amino acid at the other end to the ribosome.