Lecture 1 220 2025 (BtS)

Cell Biology

The study of the structure and function of cells, including biomolecules, cell membranes, and cell communication.

Physiology

The study of the functions and processes of living organisms, including systems like the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Plasma Membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the external environment.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance within a cell, excluding the nucleus, containing organelles.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures where protein synthesis takes place.

Virus

A non-living agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism; cannot manage its own energy metabolism.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the primary energy carrier in all living organisms.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, allowing for growth and reproduction.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and regulates gene expression.

Chloroplast

The organelle responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Signaling Molecules

Biological molecules that mediate communication between cells.

Biomolecules

Organic molecules essential for life, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Cell Membrane

A structure that surrounds and protects the cell, controlling what enters and exits.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, where ATP is produced through respiration.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, often a protein.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, used for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes for sexual reproduction.

Enzyme

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules, including DNA and RNA, that are essential for storage and transmission of genetic information.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes necessary for cellular function.