Chapter 3 word bank anatomy CSU
A. Active Transport:
The movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (usually ATP).
B. Anaphase:
A stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.
C. Benign:
A non-cancerous growth or tumor that does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
D. Cell Membrane:
A phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
E. Centrioles:
Organelles involved in organizing the spindle fibers during cell division.
F. Chromatin:
A complex of DNA and proteins in the nucleus that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.
G. Cilia:
Hair-like projections on the surface of some cells that move fluid or materials across the cell surface.
H. Cytokinesis:
The division of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells after mitosis or meiosis.
I. Cytoplasm:
The gel-like substance inside the cell membrane, excluding the nucleus, containing organelles and the cytosol.
J. Desmosomes:
Cell structures that anchor adjacent cells together, providing mechanical stability to tissues.
K. Diffusion:
The passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
L. DNA:
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in cells.
M. Endocytosis:
The process by which a cell engulfs extracellular material by folding the cell membrane inward to form vesicles.
N. Exocytosis:
The process by which a cell expels materials from the cell by merging vesicles with the cell membrane.
O. Flagella:
Long, whip-like structures used for cell movement, found in some cells (e.g., sperm cells).
P. Gap Junctions:
Channels between adjacent cells that allow for the direct exchange of ions and small molecules.
Q. Gene:
A segment of DNA that contains instructions for making a specific protein or RNA molecule.
R. Golgi Apparatus:
An organelle involved in modifying, packaging, and shipping proteins and lipids for secretion or use in the cell.
S. Hypertonic:
A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than inside the cell, causing the cell to lose water.
T. Hypotonic:
A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than inside the cell, causing the cell to gain water.
U. Intermediate Filaments:
Cytoskeletal components that provide mechanical support for the cell and help maintain its shape.
V. Interphase:
The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division.
W. Isotonic:
A solution with the same concentration of solutes as inside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.
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X. Lysosome/Peroxisome:
- Lysosome: An organelle containing digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.
- Peroxisome: An organelle that breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies harmful substances.
Y. Malignant:
A cancerous growth that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
Z. Metaphase:
A stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.
AA. Metastasis:
The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.
BB. Microfilaments:
Thin, thread-like structures in the cytoskeleton made of actin, involved in cell movement and shape.
CC. Microtubules:
Hollow tubes in the cytoskeleton made of tubulin, involved in maintaining cell shape, cell division, and transport within the cell.
DD. Microvilli:
Finger-like projections on the surface of some cells that increase surface area for absorption.
EE. Mitochondria:
Organelles that produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
FF. Mitosis:
The process of cell division in which a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells.
GG. Mutation:
A change in the DNA sequence that can affect the structure and function of proteins.
HH. Necrosis:
Unplanned cell death due to injury or disease, leading to inflammation.
II. Neoplasm:
An abnormal growth of tissue, which may be benign or malignant (tumor).
JJ. Nucleus:
The organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains DNA and controls cellular activities.
KK. Osmosis:
The passive movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.
LL. Phagocytosis:
A type of endocytosis where a cell engulfs large particles or other cells, often as part of the immune response.
MM. Pinocytosis:
A type of endocytosis where a cell engulfs liquids and dissolved substances.
NN. Prophase:
The first stage of mitosis, where chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane breaks down.
OO. Ribosome:
An organelle that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid sequences.
PP. RNA:
Ribonucleic acid, a molecule involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.
QQ. Rough ER:
The portion of the endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.
RR. Smooth ER:
The portion of the endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.
SS. Telophase:
The final stage of mitosis where the nuclear membrane reforms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell begins to divide.
TT. Tight Junctions:
Connections between adjacent cells that prevent the passage of molecules and ions through the space between cells.
UU. Transcription:
The process of copying a gene’s DNA sequence into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.
VV. Translation:
The process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template, occurring in the ribosome.