Scientific Nomenclature in Biology

A two-part naming system used for all living organisms, consisting of genus and species names. It is a standard way to name and classify species, ensuring consistent and precise identification.

The first part of a scientific name, representing a group of closely related species. It is always capitalized.

The second part of a scientific name, specifying the specific kind of organism within a genus. It is always lowercase.

Using Latin or Latinized words for scientific names. This ensures global communication and avoids confusion due to language barriers.

The practice of learning from and copying nature's designs, processes, and systems to solve human problems and create sustainable innovations.

The study of life, encompassing all living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

The ability of organisms to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

The process by which organisms change over generations in response to their environment. This leads to diversity of life on Earth.

A checkpoint during the G2 phase of the cell cycle, ensuring all DNA is replicated and repaired from any damage. This ensures that the cell is ready for mitosis.

The process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell, creating two separate daughter cells. This follows the division of the nucleus (karyokinesis) in mitosis.

The process of chromosome segregation and nuclear division, resulting in two identical daughter cells.

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell, becoming individual chromosomes. This is the crucial step where duplicated chromosomes are divided.

A checkpoint during mitosis, ensuring that all chromosomes are correctly attached to the spindle apparatus and aligned at the metaphase plate. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.

The smallest known organism capable of independent growth and reproduction, measuring approximately 200 to 300 nm.

A network of fungus in the Pacific Northwest spanning 5.5 kilometers, covering 2384 acres, and estimated to be over 2000 years old.

A self-regulated sequence of events controlling cell growth and division. The goal is to create two daughter cells with identical chromosomes as the parent cell.

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell gathers nutrients, synthesizes RNA and proteins, and prepares for DNA replication. It ensures the cell is ready to replicate.

The phase during the cell cycle where DNA synthesis begins and replicates, doubling the DNA for forming two identical sets of chromosomes.

The phase where the cell continues to grow, synthesizes proteins, and prepares for mitosis. It ensures all systems are ready for cell division.

The process where the nucleus divides, producing two identical daughter cells. It's the visible stage of cell division.

The process where the cytoplasm divides, forming two separate daughter cells. It's the final step of cell division.

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process where the cell is systematically dismantled, leading to its death without causing harm to neighboring cells. This process is essential for maintaining healthy tissue and removing unwanted or damaged cells.

Cell cycle checkpoints are critical control points that ensure proper cell division by pausing the cycle if any errors or problems arise. This helps maintain genetic integrity and prevent uncontrolled growth.

The G1 checkpoint is a crucial step in the cell cycle where the cell assesses its readiness for division, including factors like growth factors, DNA integrity, and cell size. If these criteria aren't met, the cell won't progress to the S phase.

The G2 checkpoint ensures that DNA replication has completed correctly and the cell is ready for mitosis. If there are problems with DNA replication, the cycle stops to allow for repair.

The M checkpoint, also called the spindle checkpoint, verifies that all the chromosomes are correctly attached to spindle fibers to ensure even distribution of genetic material during cell division.

Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are key regulators of the cell cycle. Cyclins are proteins that fluctuate in concentration, activating CDKs at different stages. CDKs are enzymes that phosphorylate target proteins, driving the cell cycle forward.

D-type cyclins bind to CDK4 and CDK6, promoting the transition from G1 to S phase. They are involved in promoting cell growth and proliferation.

E-type cyclins bind to CDK2, triggering the transition from G1 to S phase and initiation of DNA replication.

Cyclins are proteins that regulate the cell cycle. They bind to cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which are enzymes that phosphorylate other proteins, activating or inactivating them. Different cyclins are active at different stages of the cell cycle.

Cyclin D, in complex with CDK4/6, drives the cell from the G1 phase to the S phase. This is vital for preparing the cell for DNA replication.

Cyclin E, in complex with CDK2, triggers the initiation of DNA replication during the S phase. This is crucial for making sure each daughter cell has a complete copy of the genome.

Cyclin B, bound to CDK1, helps the cell enter mitosis (M phase). It drives the essential steps of chromosome segregation and cell division.

The p53 protein acts as a guardian of the genome. It detects DNA damage during the cell cycle and can either repair the damage or initiate programmed cell death (apoptosis) to prevent the formation of cancerous cells.

The Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) regulates the G1/S transition by blocking the transcription of genes required for DNA replication. It ensures that the cell is large enough and has the appropriate resources before it starts replicating.

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that promote cell growth and division when regulated. When mutated, they become oncogenes, which can contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

Chromosomal aberrations are errors in chromosome structure or number that can occur during cell division. They can disrupt gene expression and contribute to developmental problems or cancer.