TERMS Flashcards
Metaphase
a stage of mitosis in the eukaryotic cell cycle in which chromosomes are at their second-most condensed and coiled stage (they are at their most condensed in anaphase).
Chromatin
A complex of DNA and histone proteins that form the chromosomes. (Long strand of DNA wrapped around nucleosides like a string of beads)
Facilitated Diffusion
When a molecule moves from a high concentration to low concentration. No ATP needed, membrane protein required, specificity of molecules.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
part of the endomembrane system of the cell and a subset of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This organelle is primarily concerned with the synthesis, folding and modification of proteins, especially those that need to be delivered to different organelles within the cell, or secreted from the cell. The rough ER is also involved in the response of the cell to unfolded proteins and plays a role in the induction of apoptosis, due to its close interaction with mitochondria.
Contiguous
sharing a common border; touching.
Lamellipodia
a cytoskeletal protein actin projection on the leading edge of the cell. It contains a quasi-two-dimensional actin mesh; the whole structure propels the cell across a substrate.
Kinase Signaling
(form of cytoplasmic signaling) are enzymes that alter the activity, expression, or localization of proteins by altering their phosphorylation. Signaling kinases are located in both the cytoplasm and membranes. They can target different amino acids for phosphorylation, including serine, threonine, or tyrosine.
Cohesin
a protein complex that mediates sister chromatid cohesion, homologous recombination and DNA looping. Cohesin is formed of SMC3, SMC1, SCC1 and SCC3 (SA1 or SA2 in humans).
Polypeptide
a linear organic polymer consisting of a large number of amino-acid residues bonded together in a chain, forming part of (or the whole of) a protein molecule.
Paracrine Communication
a form of cell signaling or cell-to-cell communication in which a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells, altering the behaviour of those cells.
Channel Protein
(Type of integral protein) A channel protein is a special arrangement of amino acids which embeds in the cell membrane, providing a hydrophilic passageway for water and small, polar ions. Like all transport proteins, each channel protein has a size and shape which excludes all but the most specific molecules. No energy needed. Goes with the concentration gradient.
Transmembrane Protein
type of integral membrane protein that spans the entirety of the cell membrane. Many transmembrane proteins function as gateways to permit the transport of specific substances across the membrane.
Prophase
the first stage of cell division, before metaphase, during which the chromosomes become visible as paired chromatids and the nuclear envelope disappears. The first prophase of meiosis includes the reduction division.
Histones
highly basic proteins found in eukaryotic cell nuclei that pack and order the DNA into structural units called nucleosomes. Histones are abundant in lysine and arginine.
Calcium Signaling
(form of cytoplasmic signaling) the use of calcium ions (Ca2+) to communicate and drive intracellular processes often as a step in signal transduction. Ca2+ is important for cellular signaling, for once it enters the cytosol of the cytoplasm it exerts allosteric regulatory effects on many enzymes and proteins.
Peripheral Protein
Peripheral membrane proteins are found on the outside and inside surfaces of membranes, attached either to integral proteins or to phospholipids. Unlike integral membrane proteins, peripheral membrane proteins do not stick into the hydrophobic core of the membrane, and they tend to be more loosely attached.
Heterotrimeric G Protein
are the molecular switches that turn on intracellular signaling cascades in response to the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by extracellular stimuli. Therefore, G proteins have a crucial role in defining the specificity and temporal characteristics of the cellular response.
Anaphase
the stage of meiotic or mitotic cell division in which the chromosomes move away from one another to opposite poles of the spindle.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
a membranous organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. Its main functions are the synthesis of lipids, steroid hormones, the detoxification of harmful metabolic byproducts and the storage and metabolism of calcium ions within the cell.
Diffusion Through Channel
When a molecule moves from a high concentration to low concentration. No ATP needed, membrane (gated) protein required, specificity of molecules.
Adenylyl Cyclase
the enzyme that synthesizes cyclic adenosine monophosphate or cyclic AMP from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Cyclic AMP functions as a second messenger to relay extracellular signals to intracellular effectors, particularly protein kinase A.
Juxtacrine Communication
is a type of cell–cell or cell–extracellular matrix signaling in multicellular organisms that requires close contact.
Microtubules
polymers of tubulin that form part of the cytoskeleton and provide structure and shape to eukaryotic cells. Microtubules can grow as long as 50 micrometres and are highly dynamic.
Kinetochore
a complex of proteins associated with the centromere of a chromosome during cell division, to which the microtubules of the spindle attach.
Lumen
The cavity or channel within a tube or tubular organ such as a blood vessel or the intestine.
Polar Bond
Hydrophilic (can bond with water). Needs transmembrane receptor.
Kinases
an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to a specified molecule. (CdK# cyclin kinases)
Euchromatin
a lightly packed form of chromatin (DNA, RNA, and protein) that is enriched in genes, and is often (but not always) under active transcription. Euchromatin comprises the most active portion of the genome within the cell nucleus. 92% of the human genome is euchromatic.
Filopodia
slender cytoplasmic projections that extend beyond the leading edge of lamellipodia in migrating cells. Within the lamellipodium actin ribs are known as microspikes, and when they extend beyond the lamellipodia are known as filopodia.
Microvilli
are microscopic cellular membrane protrusions that increase the surface area for diffusion and minimize any increase in volume, and are involved in a wide variety of functions, including absorption, secretion, cellular adhesion, and mechanotransduction.
Interphase
the portion of the cell cycle that is not accompanied by observable changes under the microscope, and includes the G1, S and G2 phases. During interphase, the cell grows (G1), replicates its DNA (S) and prepares for mitosis (G2).
Kinesin
a protein belonging to a class of motor proteins found in eukaryotic cells. Kinesins move along microtubule filaments, and are powered by the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate, a type of enzyme.
Cytosol
liquid found inside of cells. It is the water-based solution in which organelles, proteins, and other cell structures float.
Endomembrane System
is a group of membranes and organelles in eukaryotic cells that works together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins.
Cell cortex
also known as the actin cortex or actomyosin cortex, is a specialized layer of cytoplasmic proteins on the inner face of the cell membrane. It functions as a modulator of membrane behavior and cell surface properties.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
single-stranded RNA molecule that is complementary to one of the DNA strands of a gene. The mRNA is an RNA version of the gene that leaves the cell nucleus and moves to the cytoplasm where proteins are made. During protein synthesis, an organelle called a ribosome moves along the mRNA, reads its base sequence, and uses the genetic code to translate each three-base triplet, or codon, into its corresponding amino acid.
Cyclic AMP
is a second messenger important in many biological processes. cAMP is a derivative of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and used for intracellular signal transduction in many different organisms, conveying the cAMP-dependent pathway.
Centrasomes
are organelles which serve as the main microtubule organizing centers for animal cells. Centrosomes are made of from arrangement of two barrel-shaped clusters of microtubules, called “centrioles,” and a complex of proteins that help additional microtubules to form.
Cilia
an organelle found on eukaryotic cells in the shape of a slender protuberance that projects from the much larger cell body. There are two types of cilia: motile and non-motile cilia. Non-motile cilia are also called primary cilia which serve as sensory organelles.
MPF
Maturation-promoting factor (abbreviated MPF, also called mitosis-promoting factor or M-Phase-promoting factor) is the cyclin-Cdk complex that was discovered first in frog eggs. It stimulates the mitotic and meiotic phases of the cell cycle.
Golgi Apparatus
an organelle in eukaryotic organisms that moves molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum to their destination. The organelle also modifies products of the endoplasmic reticulum to their final form. The Golgi apparatus is comprised of a series of flattened sacs that extend from the endoplasmic reticulum.
Eukaryotic Cell
contains membrane-bound organelles such as a nucleus, mitochondria, and an endoplasmic reticulum. Organisms based on the eukaryotic cell include protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals. These organisms are grouped into the biological domain Eukaryota. Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells found in domains Archaea and Bacteria.
Mitochondria
organelles within eukaryotic cells that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy molecule used by the cell. For this reason, the mitochondrion is sometimes referred to as “the powerhouse of the cell”. Mitochondria are found in all eukaryotes, which are all living things that are not bacteria or archaea. It is thought that mitochondria arose from once free-living bacteria that were incorporated into cells.
Peroxisome
is a membrane-bound organelle (formerly known as a microbody), found in the cytoplasm of virtually all eukaryotic cells. Peroxisomes are oxidative organelles. Frequently, molecular oxygen serves as a co-substrate, from which hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is then formed.
Karyokinesis
division of a cell nucleus during mitosis.
Autocrine Communication
signaling is a form of cell signaling in which a cell secretes a hormone or chemical messenger (called the autocrine agent) that binds to autocrine receptors on that same cell, leading to changes in the cell.
Ribosome
is a complex cellular mechanism used to translate genetic code into chains of amino acids. Long chains of amino acids fold and function as proteins in cells.
Carrier Protein
(Type of integral protein) Carrier proteins are proteins that carry substances from one side of a biological membrane to the other. Many carrier proteins are found in a cell’s membrane, though they may also be found in the membranes of internal organelles such as the mitochondria, chloroplasts, nucleolus, and others. Can go against the concentration gradient, requires energy (ATP).
Luminal Protein
any protein that is retained within the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, e.g. protein disulfide isomerase.
Dynein
a family of cytoskeletal motor proteins that move along microtubules in cells. They convert the chemical energy stored in ATP to mechanical work. Dynein transports various cellular cargos, provides forces and displacements important in mitosis, and drives the beat of eukaryotic cilia and flagella.
Non-Polar Bond
Hydrophobic. Needs cytoplasmic receptor.
Vesicle
a structure within or outside a cell, consisting of liquid or cytoplasm enclosed by a lipid bilayer. Vesicles form naturally during the processes of secretion, uptake and transport of materials within the plasma membrane.
Active Transport Diffusion
the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.
Uniporter-Transports one substance in one direction
Symporter-Transports two different substances in one direction
Antiporter-Transports two different substances in opposite directions
Mitogen
Trigger to go through the cell cycle.
Endocrine Communication
a cell targets a distant cell through the bloodstream. A signaling molecule is released by one cell, then travels through the bloodstream to bind to receptors on a distant target cell elsewhere in the body.
Glycoprotein
Any Protein with a sugar. Used for signaling between cells.
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
small RNA molecule that participates in protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule has two important areas: a trinucleotide region called the anticodon and a region for attaching a specific amino acid.
Amino Acids
building blocks of polypeptides and proteins and play important roles in metabolic pathway, gene expression, and cell signal transduction regulation. A single organic amino acid molecule contains two functional groups – amine and carboxyl – and a unique side chain. Humans require twenty different amino acids; eleven are synthesized in the body and nine obtained from dietary sources.
Cyclins
a family of proteins that controls the progression of a cell through the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinase enzymes or group of enzymes required for synthesis of cell cycle.
MAP K
A mitogen-activated protein kinase is a type of protein kinase that is specific to the amino acids serine and threonine. MAPKs are involved in directing cellular responses to a diverse array of stimuli, such as mitogens, osmotic stress, heat shock and proinflammatory cytokines.
Ligand
a molecule that binds to another (usually larger) molecule.
Flagella
a slender threadlike structure, especially a microscopic appendage that enables many protozoa, bacteria, spermatozoa, etc. to swim.
Endosymbiotic Theory
unified and widely accepted theory of how organelles arose in organisms, differing prokaryotic organisms from eukaryotic organisms. In endosymbiotic theory, consistent with general evolutionary theory, all organisms arose from a single common ancestor. This ancestor probably resembled a bacteria, or prokaryote with a single strand of DNA surrounded by a plasma membrane. Throughout time, these bacteria diverged in form and function. Some bacteria acquired the ability to process energy from the environment in novel ways. Photosynthetic bacteria developed the pathways that enabled the production of sugar from sunlight. Other organisms developed novel ways to use this sugar is oxidative phosphorylation, which produced ATP from the breakdown of sugar with oxygen. ATP can then be used to supply energy to other reactions in the cell.
Actin
a protein that forms (together with myosin) the contractile filaments of muscle cells, and is also involved in motion in other types of cell.
Mitosis
a part of the cell cycle in which replicated chromosomes are separated into two new nuclei. Cell division gives rise to genetically identical cells in which the total number of chromosomes is maintained.
Actin Filaments
they form a network that provides mechanical support, determines cell shape, and allows movement of the cell surface, thereby enabling cells to migrate, engulf particles, and divide.
Prokaryotic Cell
type of cell that does not have a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Organisms within the domains Bacteria and Archaea are based on the prokaryotic cell, while all other forms of life are eukaryotic. However, organisms with prokaryotic cells are very abundant and make up much of Earth’s biomass.
Cytokinesis
the cytoplasmic division of a cell at the end of mitosis or meiosis, bringing about the separation into two daughter cells.
Simple Diffusion
When a molecule moves from a high concentration to low concentration. No ATP needed, no membrane protein required, no specificity.
Chromatids
each of the two threadlike strands into which a chromosome divides longitudinally during cell division. Each contains a double helix of DNA.
Heterochromatin
a tightly packed form of DNA or condensed DNA, which comes in multiple varieties. These varieties lie on a continuum between the two extremes of constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin. Both play a role in the expression of genes.
Integral Protein
An integral protein, sometimes referred to as an integral membrane protein, is any protein which has a special functional region for the purpose of securing its position within the cellular membrane. In other words, an integral protein locks itself into the cellular membrane.
Nucleolus
the largest structure in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. It is best known as the site of ribosome biogenesis. Nucleoli also participate in the formation of signal recognition particles and play a role in the cell’s response to stress.
Lipid Bound Protein
Lipid-anchored proteins (also known as lipid-linked proteins) are proteins located on the surface of the cell membrane that are covalently attached to lipids embedded within the cell membrane… Thus, the lipid serves to anchor the protein to the cell membrane. They are a type of proteolipids.
Prometaphase
the second phase of mitosis, the process that separates the duplicated genetic material carried in the nucleus of a parent cell into two identical daughter cells. During prometaphase, the physical barrier that encloses the nucleus, called the nuclear envelope, breaks down.
Polyribosome
a cluster of ribosomes linked together by a molecule of messenger RNA and forming the site of protein synthesis.
Antigen
Receptor binds to that doesn’t belong in the body
Bone Marrow
Origin of the cells that make up the immune system
Thymus
Cells of the immune system undergo maturation
Spleen
Giant lymph node. Communication of immune system cells.
Tonsils
(Lymph nodes)
Appendix
(Lymph node)
Tolerance
Cells of the immune system get used to cells that belong in the body through histocompatibility proteins
Autoimmune disease
Immune system cells aren’t recognizing own body cells
Complement protein
aid in the destruction of pathogens by piercing their outer membranes (cell lysis) or by making them more attractive to phagocytic cells such as macrophages (a process known as opsonization).
Macrophage
type of phagocyte, which is a cell responsible for detecting, engulfing and destroying pathogens and apoptotic cells. Macrophages are produced through the differentiation of monocytes, which turn into macrophages when they leave the blood.
Neutrophil
type of white blood cell, a granulocyte that is filled with microscopic granules, little sacs containing enzymes that digest microorganisms. Also known as polymorphonuclear leukocyte or poly.
Interferon
group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses. In a typical scenario, a virus-infected cell will release interferons causing nearby cells to heighten their anti-viral defenses.