Cell Biology

• Cell Membrane


  The thin layer of lipid and protein molecules that surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and leaves the cell.
• Lipid Bilayer


  A double layer of lipids (fats) that makes up the majority of the cell membrane.
• Transport Proteins

  Allow specific substances to pass through the membrane.
• Receptor Proteins


  Bind to specific molecules outside the cell, triggering responses.
• Enzymes


  Catalyze chemical reactions within the cell.
• Phospholipid Structure


  A phospholipid molecule consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid chains, and a phosphate group, which gives it a polar and non-polar nature.
• Semi-permeable


  The cell membrane allows certain substances to pass through while restricting others, allowing for the regulation of what enters and leaves the cell.
• Biosynthesis


  The process by which the cell membrane is formed and maintained, involving the synthesis of new membrane components and the recycling of existing ones.
• Endocytosis

  The process by which cells internalize molecules or particles from the outside environment by folding the cell membrane inward to form a vesicle.
• Exocytosis


  The process by which cells release molecules or particles out of the cell by secreting vesicles that fuse with the cell membrane.
• Mitosis


  A process of nuclear division that results in two daughter cells each with the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent cell
• Interphase


  The stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division
• Cytokinesis


  The final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm divides and the cell splits into two daughter cells