Cell and Molecular Biology Final Exam Fall 2024 Topics - List

**Dr. Sandhya N Baviskar** Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL 4803) ====================================== **[List of Topics for the Final Exam Fall 2024]** **An Overview of Cells and Cell Research: Chapter 1** - Plasma membrane structure and function -phospholipids (where they are made, st...

**Dr. Sandhya N Baviskar** Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL 4803) ====================================== **[List of Topics for the Final Exam Fall 2024]** **An Overview of Cells and Cell Research: Chapter 1** - Plasma membrane structure and function -phospholipids (where they are made, structure) \- glycolipids (location, function) - Role of Cholesterol in the plasma membrane - Model organisms in cell research and origin of eukaryotic genome - Bacterial cell structure, cell wall composition - Bonds present in starch, glycogen and cellulose - Structure of lipids - Glycocalyx\-- functions - Role/functions of nucleotides - Derivatives of cholesterol - Structure of proteins---primary, secondary tertiary etc. - Carrier proteins - Active transport, facilitated diffusion, channel mediated passive diffusion \--rate of transport **Chapter 10** **(Only "Protein Processing and Regulation" was covered from this chapter)** - Chaperones/chaperonins/ HSP (heat-shock proteins) and functions - Cystic Fibrosis--- (everything that is in the book) - Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI)/Peptidyl prolyl isomerase---location and functions - Signal sequences -- what are signal sequences and function/role - Signal peptidase---role/function - Glycosylation-what is it and its purpose? - Regulation of protein function - Allosteric regulation - Protein degradation pathway - ubiquitin-proteasome pathway - lysosomes -- formation, functions and composition - autophagy -- its role? **Chapter 11: The Nucleus** - Structure of nuclear envelope -Traffic across nuclear pore complexes - Structure of nuclear lamina - What are nuclear localization signals? - Heterochromatin, euchromatin\-\-\-- location and role - Nucleolus - RNA processing - NOR (Nucleolar Organizing Region) **Chapter 12: Protein Sorting and Transport** - ER structure and functions - 3 domains of ER and what each domain does - where do you find smooth ER and rough ER - role of ER luminal proteins - cotranslation vs. posttranslational translocation - what is a translocon? - What is unfolded protein response (UPR) - flippases--- function/role - Golgi apparatus structure and function - How do proteins move in a polarized cell. - Tight junctions, gap junctions, hemidesmosomes - Plant vacuoles-functions - LDL -- composition and receptor mediated endocytosis Coat proteins\-- -COP1 and 2 and clathrin ; role of coat proteins - Lysosomes-structure and functions - Phagocytosis\-\--functions/purposes **Chapter 13: Mitochondria and Peroxisomes** - Peroxisomes\-\-- structure and functions - Mitochondria genome and what kind of proteins it codes for? - How it is different from nuclear genome? **Chapter 14: The Cytoskeleton** - Difference between actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments -structure and functions - Actin bundles and networks (location and structure) - 4 types of microtubules that make mitotic spindle - pseudopodia, filopodia, and lamellipodia---structure and location - Microvilli structure - Centrosome - Axons, dendrites -- type and arrangement of cytoskeletal elements - Different types of phospholipids - Lipid rafts\-\-- composition and functions - Peripheral vs integral proteins - Porins - Asymmetry of bilayer - What is GPI or GPI anchored proteins? - Symport, antiport, uniport -know examples - LDL - Caveolae **Cell Signaling** - Autocrine, Paracrine, endocrine signaling and examples - G protein coupled receptors (know everything) - cyclic AMP formation and its mode of action - cGMP - Second messengers and their roles\-\--cAMP, cGMP, NO - Peptide hormones and growth factors role/functions **Study Guide for Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL 4803)** **Chapter 1: An Overview of Cells and Cell Research** **Plasma Membrane Structure and Function:** - **Phospholipids**: - Made in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER). - Amphipathic molecules with hydrophilic head groups and hydrophobic tails. - Form the bilayer structure that serves as a selective barrier. - **Glycolipids**: - Found in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. - Play roles in cell recognition, signaling, and protection. - **Role of Cholesterol**: - Modulates membrane fluidity and stabilizes the membrane structure. - Involved in forming lipid rafts, which organize membrane proteins for signaling. **Model Organisms in Cell Research:** - Common model organisms include *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (yeast), *Drosophila melanogaster* (fruit fly), *Caenorhabditis elegans* (nematode), and *Mus musculus* (mouse). **Origin of Eukaryotic Genome:** - Proposed to have originated from a fusion of archaebacterial and bacterial genomes. **Bacterial Cell Structure:** - Cell wall composed of peptidoglycan in most bacteria. - Membranes may be surrounded by a capsule for protection. **Chapter 2: Molecules of Life** **Bonds in Polysaccharides:** - Starch and glycogen: α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds. - Cellulose: β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. **Structure of Lipids:** - Composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and polar head groups (e.g., phospholipids). **Glycocalyx Functions:** - Protects the cell surface. - Facilitates cell-cell interactions. **Role of Nucleotides:** - Serve as building blocks for nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). - Act as energy carriers (e.g., ATP). **Cholesterol Derivatives:** - Steroid hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen). **Protein Structures:** - Primary: Sequence of amino acids. - Secondary: α-helices and β-sheets. - Tertiary: 3D folding of a single polypeptide. - Quaternary: Assembly of multiple polypeptides. **Transport Mechanisms:** - Carrier proteins facilitate active transport or passive transport. - Active transport requires energy. - Facilitated diffusion uses protein channels but no energy. **Chapter 10: Protein Processing and Regulation** **Chaperones and Heat-Shock Proteins (HSPs):** - Assist in proper protein folding. **Cystic Fibrosis:** - Caused by mutations in the CFTR gene leading to defective chloride ion transport. **Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI):** - Found in the ER; aids in forming and reshuffling disulfide bonds. **Signal Sequences:** - Short amino acid sequences that direct proteins to specific locations. **Glycosylation:** - Attachment of sugars to proteins; important for stability and recognition. **Protein Degradation Pathways:** - Ubiquitin-proteasome system and lysosomes. - Autophagy recycles cellular components. **Chapter 11: The Nucleus** **Nuclear Envelope:** - Double membrane with nuclear pore complexes allowing selective transport. **Nuclear Lamina:** - Fibrous mesh providing structural support. **RNA Processing:** - Involves splicing, capping, and polyadenylation. **Nucleolus:** - Site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis. **Chapter 12: Protein Sorting and Transport** **ER Structure:** - Rough ER: Ribosome-studded; protein synthesis. - Smooth ER: Lipid metabolism. **Translocon:** - Protein-conducting channel in the ER. **Golgi Apparatus:** - Modifies and sorts proteins for transport. **Endocytosis:** - Includes phagocytosis and receptor-mediated processes like LDL uptake. **Chapter 13: Mitochondria and Peroxisomes** **Mitochondria Genome:** - Encodes proteins essential for oxidative phosphorylation. - Circular DNA, inherited maternally. **Peroxisomes:** - Contain enzymes for lipid metabolism and detoxification. **Chapter 14: Cytoskeleton** **Cytoskeletal Elements:** - Actin filaments: Cell shape and movement. - Microtubules: Intracellular transport and spindle formation. - Intermediate filaments: Structural support. **Microvilli:** - Increase surface area for absorption. **Chapter 15: Plasma Membrane** **Phospholipids:** - Include phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, etc. **Lipid Rafts:** - Enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids; involved in signaling. **Transport Mechanisms:** - Symport, antiport, and uniport systems. **Chapter 16: Cell Signaling** **Signaling Modes:** - Autocrine, paracrine, endocrine. **G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs):** - Activate signaling cascades via cAMP and second messengers. **Second Messengers:** - cAMP, cGMP, nitric oxide (NO). **Peptide Hormones:** - Include insulin, glucagon; regulate metabolism and growth.