Cell Biology Processes Overview

A process where developing neurons compete for limited resources like neurotrophic factors. Neurons receiving insufficient resources are eliminated by apoptosis, not necroptosis.

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that involves a controlled series of events. It is a common mechanism for eliminating excess or non-functional neurons during development.

Necroptosis is a type of cell death that is characterized by a rapid and uncontrolled rupture of the cell membrane, often caused by external factors like toxins or injury. It is not the main mechanism for eliminating neurons during development.

Calmodulin is a calcium-binding protein that plays an essential role in regulating intracellular calcium concentrations.

Calmodulin binds calcium ions when their concentration increases, leading to a conformational change (shape change) in the protein. This change triggers a series of cellular events, including muscle contraction and enzyme activation.

Calmodulin plays a crucial role in intracellular calcium signaling, which is essential for various cellular processes such as muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and gene expression.

Calmodulin is a highly conserved protein, meaning it has similar structure and function across different species. This suggests its critical role in cellular processes.

Calmodulin is a therapeutic target for various disorders, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune diseases.

Microtubules are long, hollow cylinders found in the cytoplasm of most eukaryotic cells. They are made of the protein tubulin, which assembles into dimers that then polymerize into protofilaments. These protofilaments are arranged in a ring to form a cylindrical tube. Microtubules are responsible for a variety of important cellular functions, including cell shape, intracellular transport, and cell division.

Intermediate filaments are rope-like fibers that provide mechanical support and structural integrity to cells. They are made of various proteins specific to different cell types. They are found in the cytoplasm, but are also present at the nuclear envelope, helping to maintain the cell's shape and stability.

Microfilaments, also known as actin filaments, are thin, flexible protein fibers that play a crucial role in cell movement and shape. They are made of the protein actin, which assembles into long chains. Microfilaments are responsible for muscle contraction, cell division, and cell crawling.

Microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments form the cytoskeleton, a network that provides structural support, facilitates cell movement, and enables intracellular transport.

Microtubules play a crucial role in cell division by forming the mitotic spindle, a structure that separates chromosomes during cell division.

Conditions necessary for successful cell growth and development in a lab setting.

Physical factors that influence cell growth, such as temperature, oxygen/carbon dioxide levels, humidity, and osmotic pressure.

Practices and techniques used to prevent contamination of cell cultures with microorganisms.

The liquid that provides nutrients and growth factors to support cell growth in vitro.

A protein that binds calcium ions and regulates the activity of many target proteins depending on the calcium concentration.

Changes in cell shape and structure that occur during apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death.

Kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups to amino acids, resulting in conformational changes in target proteins and altering their activity, localization, and interactions.

Apoptosis is a controlled process of cell death that involves shrinking, nuclear condensation and fragmentation, membrane blebbing, loss of membrane integrity, and fragmentation into apoptotic bodies.