Cell And Molecular Biology
88 entries in the Cell And Molecular Biology compendium.
LipidLipids are hydrophobic or amphiphilic organic compounds essential for life.LipopolysaccharideMajor component of Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane.LipoproteinLipoproteins transport fats and cholesterol in blood plasma.LysineEssential α-amino acid crucial for protein synthesis and metabolism.MacrophageWhite blood cells that engulf pathogens and regulate immune responses.Mast cellAncient immune sentinels storing histamine and heparin.MelaninFamily of biomolecules providing pigments in many organisms.Messenger RNASingle-stranded RNA that directs protein synthesis from genetic code.MethionineEssential amino acid, precursor to cysteine and the methyl donor rSAM.Microbial cystA dormant microbial stage enabling survival under harsh conditions.MonosaccharideSimple sugars that are the basic units of carbohydrates.MucusSlippery gel protecting and lubricating body surfaces.MyelinLipid-rich insulator enabling rapid nerve impulse conduction in vertebrates.Natural killer cellInnate immune cells that kill stressed cells lacking self markers.Neural network (biology)Interconnected neurons forming circuits that underlie nervous system function.NeutrophilMost abundant white blood cell, key in innate immunity.Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotideCoenzyme central to metabolism, carrying electrons in redox reactions.NorepinephrineA catecholamine hormone and neurotransmitter that mobilizes the body for action.Nucleic acid structureDNA and RNA structure organized into primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels.NucleotideNucleotides are the monomeric units of DNA and RNA.Omega-3 fatty acidPolyunsaturated fatty acids essential for human health and diet.Omega-6 fatty acidEssential polyunsaturated fatty acids with a carbon double bond at n-6.OogoniumDiploid cell that forms primordial follicles or female gametangia.Organic matterCarbon-based compounds from organisms, vital for nutrient cycling and soil health.Golgi apparatusThe Golgi apparatus is a cellular organelle found in most eukaryotes, forming part of the HelicaseEnzymes that unwind nucleic acid strands using ATP hydrolysis.Ligand (biochemistry)A substance that binds to a biomolecule for a biological purpose.Lipid bilayerThin polar membrane forming a barrier around all cells.LysosomeMembrane-bound organelles that serve as the cell's degradation center.Membrane potentialThe electric potential difference across a biological cell membrane.Membrane proteinMembrane proteins are common, diverse, and key drug targets.Membrane transportMechanisms regulating solute passage through biological membranes.MicrotubuleCytoskeletal biopolymers providing structure and intracellular transport.MitochondriaDouble-membraned organelles that produce cellular energy as ATP.Mitochondrial DNAMitochondrial DNA is a small, maternally inherited genome essential for energy conversion.Molecular biologyStudy of molecular structures and processes in cells.MyosinMotor proteins driving actin-based motility and muscle contraction.Nuclear envelopeDouble lipid bilayer enclosing the eukaryotic nucleus.NucleolusLargest nuclear structure; site of ribosome biogenesis.Passive transportMembrane transport driven by entropy, not cellular energy.PeroxisomeOrganelles that generate and break down hydrogen peroxide.PlasmodesmaMicroscopic channels enabling plant cell communication.Plastid DNAPlastid DNA, often called chloroplast DNA in photosynthetic organisms, is the genetic matePost-transcriptional modificationChemical alterations to RNA after transcription produce functional molecules.Post-translational modificationCovalent protein changes after synthesis, diversifying function and regulation.Programmed cell deathCell death from internal events, crucial for development and homeostasis.ProteasomeProtein complexes that degrade proteins via proteolysis.Protein foldingPhysical process forming functional protein three-dimensional structure.Protein targetingCellular mechanism directing proteins to correct destinations.RNA interferenceRNAi is a gene-silencing process using double-stranded RNA.RNA polymeraseEnzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.RNA splicingProcess removing introns to form mature mRNA for translation.Receptor (biochemistry)Proteins that bind ligands and transduce biological signals.Second messenger systemIntracellular messengers that amplify and propagate extracellular signals.Signal transductionProcess transmitting chemical or physical signals through cells.Somatic cellBody cells that divide by mitosis, excluding germ and stem cells.SteroidOrganic compounds with four fused rings, vital for membranes and signaling.Steroid hormoneSteroid hormones regulate metabolism, immunity, and sexual development.TelomereRepetitive DNA sequences that protect chromosome ends from degradation.ThylakoidMembrane-bound compartments where photosynthesis begins.NeurotransmitterChemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.Nucleic acidNucleic acids store and transmit genetic information in all life forms.OrganelleSpecialized subunit within a cell with a specific function.PlasmidSmall, extrachromosomal DNA molecules that replicate independently within cells.PlastidMembrane-bound organelles derived from endosymbiotic cyanobacteria.ProteinProteins are essential macromolecules that perform diverse cellular functions.Red blood cellVertebrate cells that deliver oxygen via hemoglobin.RibosomeCellular machine that synthesizes proteins from mRNA.SarcomereSmallest functional unit of striated muscle tissue.RNARNA is a nucleic acid essential for genetic information and catalysis.Stem cellUndifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation.Transcription (biology)Process of copying DNA into RNA for gene expression.Translation (biology)Ribosomes decode mRNA to assemble proteins from amino acids.VacuoleA versatile organelle for storage, waste, and pressure in cells.White blood cellNucleated immune cells that defend against infection and disease.Tissue (biology)Tissue is an assembly of similar cells with a specific function.PeptideShort amino acid chains with diverse biological roles.PeptidoglycanMesh-like macromolecule giving bacterial cell walls strength and shape.PhenylalanineEssential amino acid, precursor to neurotransmitters and melanin.PheromoneChemical messengers that trigger social responses within a species.PhospholipidAmphiphilic lipids essential for cell membrane structure and brain function.Photoreceptor cellSpecialized retinal cells that convert light into biological signals.ProgesteroneEndogenous steroid hormone essential for reproduction and pregnancy.ProgestogenSteroid hormones essential for pregnancy and reproductive regulation.ProlineProteinogenic amino acid with a unique cyclic structure.Protein (nutrient)Essential nutrient providing amino acids for body structure and function.Protein biosynthesisCore biological process producing proteins from DNA instructions.Protein structureThree-dimensional arrangement of atoms in amino acid chains.
Browse Cell And Molecular Biology in the interactive codex →