Biology Proteins and Molecular Genetics

Proteins

• Cellular hardware.

Exons

• Coding sequences within RNA.

Transduction

• Series of pathways triggered by receptor cell signal, resulting in a response.

Endocrine System

• Uses circulatory system for signal transport.

Autocrine Signaling

• Self-signaling within a cell.

Antagonist

• Molecule opposing the action of another. Involved in both disease and treatment.

Antibody

• Immune system protein that binds to specific antigens.

Hayflick Limit

• The number of times a normal human cell population will divide before cell division stops.

Telomerase

• Enzyme that adds telomeres to DNA, potentially extending cell lifespan.

Complementary Base Pairing

• Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C) in DNA.

Okazaki Fragments

• Short DNA sequences synthesized discontinuously during DNA replication.

TATA Box

• DNA sequence crucial for transcription initiation.

Capping

• Modification of mRNA's 5' end, protecting it from degradation.

Introns

• Non-coding sequences within RNA, removed during splicing.

Svedberg Unit

• Unit measuring sedimentation coefficient (related to size and shape) of molecules.

Rho Protein

• Involved in transcription termination.

Pollen

• Allergen causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Mule

• Hybrid offspring of a donkey and a horse.

Helix

• Spiral structure; found in DNA and proteins.

Polymerase

• Enzyme that synthesizes DNA or RNA.

Termination

• End of a process, such as transcription or translation.

Adenine

• Purine base in DNA and RNA.

Histamine

• Vasoactive amine involved in immune responses and allergic reactions.

Deoxyribose

• Sugar component of DNA.

Potassium

• Electrolyte vital for nerve and muscle function.

Partial Pressure

• The pressure exerted by a specific gas in a mixture.

HAT (Histone Acetyltransferase)

• Enzyme that adds acetyl groups to histones, altering gene expression.

Adenine

• Base pairing with Uracil (U) in RNA.

Competitive Inhibition

• Inhibition that can be overcome by increasing substrate concentration. Applies to enzyme kinetics and ecology.

Beta Sheet

• Secondary protein structure.

Tertiary Structure

• Three-dimensional folding of a polypeptide chain.

Polysome

• Multiple ribosomes translating a single mRNA molecule.

VAMP (vesicle-associated membrane protein)

• Membrane protein mediating vesicle fusion.

Ultracentrifuge

• Device for separating particles based on size and density.

CHAT (choline acetyltransferase)

• Enzyme synthesizing acetylcholine.

Gap Junctions

• Cell-cell communication channels.

Fusion

• Joining of atomic nuclei.

Ergosome

• Hypothetical structure mediating protein synthesis.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

• Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

Enhancer

• DNA sequence that increases gene transcription.

Helicase

• Enzyme that unwinds DNA during replication.

Messenger RNA

• RNA molecule carrying genetic information for protein synthesis.

Tertiary Structure

• Complex 3D arrangement of a protein.

OCAT (ornithine carbamoyltransferase)

• Enzyme involved in urea cycle.

Pyrimidine

• Nitrogenous base with a single ring structure.

Golgi Apparatus

• Organelle modifying and packaging proteins.

Helix

• Spiral structure, found in DNA and proteins.

Ribosome

• Cellular machinery synthesizing proteins.

Neurotransmitter

• Chemical messenger at synapses.

UGA (UAG, UAA)

• Stop codon in mRNA.

Dimer

• Molecule composed of two identical subunits.

Reception

• Process of receiving a signal or stimulus.

Acetylation

• Addition of acetyl group to a molecule, typically a protein, often altering function.

Mule

• Hybrid offspring of a donkey and a horse.

Acetylcholine

• Neurotransmitter at neuromuscular junctions; signals often release 'Ach'.

Topoisomerase

• Enzyme altering DNA topology.

Affinity

• Binding strength between two molecules.

AP (action potential)

• Brief electrical signal in neurons.

HAT (Histone Acetyltransferase)

• Enzyme that acetylates histones, affecting gene expression.

UPR (unfolded protein response)

• Cellular response to misfolded proteins.

Adenylyl Cyclase

• Enzyme that synthesizes cAMP.

Ulcers

• Lesions in the lining of the digestive tract.

Telomere

• Repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes.

Splicing

• Process of removing introns from pre-mRNA.

Svedberg Unit

• Unit of sedimentation coefficient.