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cDNA:
see complementary DNA
cell-adhesion molecule (CAM):
Protein on the surface of an animal cell that mediates cell-cell
binding.
cell body:
Main part of a nerve cell that contains the nucleus. The other
parts are axons and dendrites.
cell cortex:
Specialized layer of cytoplasm on the inner face of the plasma
membrane. In animal cells it is an actin-rich layer responsible
for cell-surface movements.
cell cycle:
Reproductive cycle of the cell: the orderly sequence of events
by which the cell duplicates its contents and divides into two.
cell division:
Separation of a cell into two daughter cells. In eucaryotic
cells it entails division of the nucleus (mitosis) closely followed
by division of the cytoplasm (cytokinesis).
cell fusion:
Process in which the plasma membranes of two cells break down
at the point of contact between them, allowing the two cytoplasms
to mingle.
cell junction:
Specialized region of connection between two cells or between
a cell and the extracellular matrix.
cell line:
Population of cells of plant or animal origin capable of dividing
indefinitely in culture.
cell locomotion (cell migration):
Active movement of a cell from one location to another, particularly
the migration of a cell over a surface.
cell-mediated immunity:
Immune responses mediated by T lymphocytes.
cell plate:
Flattened membrane-bounded structure that forms from fusing
vesicles in the cytoplasm of a dividing plant cell and is the
precursor of the new cell wall.
cell wall:
Mechanically strong extracellular matrix deposited by a cell
outside its plasma membrane. It is prominent in most plants,
bacteria, algae, and fungi. Not present in most animal cells.
cellulose:
Structural polysaccharide consisting of long chains of covalently
linked glucose units. It provides tensile strength in plant
cell walls.
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