Living systems are all made of many molecular components that self- assemble, recognize as well as control each other and self- replicate ... How can it be that proteins, describable by the laws of physics, assemble themselves into cellular machines and structures, these into complete living cells, and the latter into whole organisms that require a whole new language for their description? Opportunities in Molecular Biomedicine in the Era of  Teraflop Computing, March 3 & 4, 1999, Rockville, MD 

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Adenosine Triphosphate ATP: Adenosine 5'- (tetrahydrogen triphosphate). An adenine nucleotide containing three phosphate groups esterified to the sugar moiety. In addition to its crucial roles in metabolism adenosine triphosphate is a neurotransmitter. MeSH

Alliance for Cellular Signaling AfCS: The overall goal of the Alliance for Cellular Signaling is to understand as completely as possible the relationships between sets of inputs and outputs in signaling cells that vary both temporally and spatially. The same goal, stated from a slightly different perspective, is to understand fully how cells interpret signals in a context-dependent manner. This will involve identification of all the proteins that comprise the various signaling systems, the assessment of time- dependent information flow through the systems in both normal and pathological states, and finally the reduction of the mass of detailed data into a set of interacting theoretical models that describe cellular signaling. www.signaling-gateway.org  Related term: cellular signaling

angiogenesis: Angiogenesis, the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body, is an important natural process in the body used for healing and reproduction. The body controls angiogenesis by producing a precise balance of growth and inhibitory factors in healthy tissues. When this balance is disturbed, the result is either too much or too little angiogenesis. Abnormal blood vessel growth, either excessive or insufficient, is now recognized as a “common denominator” underlying many deadly and debilitating conditions, including cancer, skin diseases, age-related blindness, diabetic ulcers, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and many others. Angiogenesis Foundation "Understanding Angiogenesis http://www.angio.org/understanding/understanding.html
Angiogenesis Inhibitors, NIH, US http://www.cancer.gov/clinical_trials/doc.aspx?viewid=e68213b0-db75-474a-b35f-1b3496a2dd30

apoptosis:  The molecular and morphological processes leading to controlled cellular self- destruction was first introduced in a publication by Kerr, Wyllie and Currie (Br. J. Cancer, 1972, 26: 239). 'Apoptosis' is of Greek origin, having the meaning "falling off or dropping off", in analogy to leaves falling from trees or petals from flowers. By choosing this term, the authors might have intended to stress that this form of cell death is a natural phenomenon, an active and defined process which plays an important role in the regulation of the cell population in tissues upon physiological and pathological conditions. Apoptotic cell death can be induced by a variety of stimuli, such as ligation of cell surface receptors, starvation, growth factor/ survival factor deprivation, heat shock, hypoxia, DNA damage, viral infection, and cytotoxic/ chemotherapeutical agents. The apoptotic process is of widespread biological significance, and it was reported to be involved in embryogenesis, differentiation, proliferation/ homoeostasis, removal of defect and therefore harmful cells, and especially in the regulation and function of the immune system. Thus, dysfunction or disregulation of the apoptotic program is implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, such as immunodeficiency, auto- immune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Apoptopedia, Cell Death Encyclopedia, 2001 http://www.celldeath.de/encyclo/index.html Click on A, go to Apoptosis entry and click on more.

One of the two mechanisms by which CELL DEATH occurs (the other being the pathological process of NECROSIS). Apoptosis is the mechanism responsible for the physiological deletion of cells and appears to be intrinsically programmed. It is characterized by distinctive morphologic changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm, chromatin cleavage at regularly spaced sites, and the endonucleolytic cleavage of genomic DNA (DNA FRAGMENTATION) at internucleosomal sites. This mode of cell death serves as a balance to mitosis in regulating the size of animal tissues and in mediating pathologic processes associated with tumor growth. MeSH, 1993   Broader term: cell death   See also programmed cell death.
Apoptopedia, CellDeath.de, Germany   http://www.celldeath.de/encyclo/index.html
Apoptosis glossary, Biosource International, US http://www.biosource.com/content/literatureContent/apopglossary/glossary.asp

autosome:  A chromosome not involved in sex determination. The diploid human genome consists of 46 chromosomes, 22 pairs of autosomes, and 1 pair of  sex chromosomes (the X and Y chromosomes). DOE  Related terms: autosomal, somatic cells Molecular Medicine

cell, cells: The smallest structural unit of living matter capable of functioning autonomously. IUPAC Biotech

The basic unit of any living organism. It is a small, watery, compartment filled with chemicals and a complete copy of the organism's genome. NHGRI Narrower terms: clone, embryonic stem cells ES, gametes, germ cells, hematopoietic stem cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cells MSC, pluripotent stem cells, somatic cell, stem cells, CHO cells Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, T cells  Related terms: cell cycle, cell division, cell line, cell mapping, cellular component, cytogenetics, eukaryotes, FACS, flow sorting, host, hybridoma, Laser Capture Microdissection, multicellular, multipotent organelles, pluripotent, totipotent, cell culture, cell differentiation, cell fusion, cell patterning, cell strain, lysis, meiosis, mitosis, prokaryotes, subcellular fractionation

cell adhesion molecules:  Surface ligands, usually glycoproteins, that mediate cell- to- cell adhesion. Their functions include the assembly and interconnection of various vertebrate systems, as well as maintenance of tissue integration, wound healing, morphogenic movements, cellular migrations, and metastasis.  MeSH, 1990

cell biology: Modern cell biology is a dynamic discipline that combines the interests of a variety of scientific fields including molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, physiology, developmental biology, cytology, and genetics--fields that were once almost completely independent of each other. Cell biologists are at the core of scientific research, investigating the basic structural and functional units of life: the cells that compose all living organisms. Many different approaches are used in the study of cellular processes including biochemical and physical analysis of molecules and cells in culture, mathematics and computer sciences, light and electron microscopy, and molecular genetics American Society Cell BIology Facets of Cell Biology http://www.ascb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=255&Itemid=18 

cell cycle:  The growth cycle of a cell from one division to the next. In eukaryotic cells the growth cycle is divided into the following 4 phases: G1- phase: the period of the cycle beginning after mitosis and preceding the initiation of DNA synthesis. S-phase: discrete period of cell cycle when most DNA synthesis occurs. G2- phase: period of cell cycle when cells contain twice the G1 complement of DNA. M-phase: division of the cell into two (cf. mitosis), each with one complete genome. IUPAC Biotech

The complex series of phenomena, occurring between the end of one cell division and the end of the next, by which cellular material is divided between daughter cells. MeSH, 1978    
Related terms: meiosis, mitosis; Proteins  checkpoint control proteins; Functional genomics

cell cycle proteins: Proteins that control the cell division cycle. This family of proteins includes a wide variety of classes, including CYCLIN- DEPENDENT KINASES, mitogen- activated kinases, CYCLINS, and phosphoprotein phosphatases (PHOSPHOPROTEIN PHOSPHATASE) as well as their putative substrates such as chromatin- associated proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, and transcription factors. MeSH, 1995   Related terms: cell cycle; Expression: transcription factors

cell death: The termination of the cell's ability to carry out vital functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, responsiveness, and adaptability.  MeSH 1992   See also programmed cell death. Narrower term: apoptosis

cell differentiation: Progressive restriction of the developmental potential and increasing specialization of function which takes place during the development of the embryo and leads to the formation of specialized cells, tissues, and organs. MeSH, 1966  Related terms: Stem cells multipotent, pluripotent, , totipotent

cell division: Milestones, from Nature Publishing http://www.nature.com/celldivision/index.html

cell function: The level at which we wish to understand the function of the cell determines to a large extent the degree of experimental reductionism required. The smallest building block required to understand the function of the cell appears to be the protein. While the genetic sequence provides the basic informational foundation of the cell, it is the network of protein- gene, protein- protein, and protein- metabolite interactions - the fluxes and flows of material and information -  which result in cell function. Studies of whole cell dynamics currently employ optical imaging of diffusion, generally through the use of steady state or dynamic photobleaching recovery methods. Associated with such studies is the need to label specific intracellular entities. Expansion of these approaches to include the wealth of protein species in the cell will involve development of new labeling methods, new dyes and means of introducing them; widely scaling imaging techniques permitting examination of the whole cell or of intracellular compartments; NMR micro- imaging techniques, particularly those sensitive to chemical species; environmental EM techniques, which may provide the capability of rapid single cell microprobe analysis; creative evanescent wave approaches to characterizing the cell membrane; and new tools capable of mechanical assessment of global (and local) mechanical properties of the cell. ... Ultimately, the systematic characterization of cell biology will be the result of the efforts of a great many laboratories integrated over many years. Archiving and interpreting (understanding) these results will require coordination at all levels. Whether or not the paradigm of the Human Genome Project is appropriate for integrating such cell- level studies was discussed at length with the full realization that overriding clinical, pharmaceutical, and cell biology questions may ultimately focus the effort more effectively than a central coordinating agency. Whatever organizational paradigm is employed, there are fundamental and overriding infrastructural issues which must be addressed at the outset, the most urgent of which are the development of enabling technologies and the creation of highly defined panels of cell types for the use of the research community National Center for Research Resources "Integrated Genomics Technologies Workshop Report" Jan 1999 

cell genotype: Genetic makeup of cells. Related term: cell phenotypes

cell mapping: Maps genomic & genetic 

cell migration:  A broad term that we use to refer to those processes that involve the translation of cells from one location to another. This may occur in non-live environments, such as soil (e.g. the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum) or on glass/plastic (common in vitro setups), or within complex, multicellular organisms. Cells migrate in response to multiple situations they encounter during their lives... It is generally convenient to parse migration into a useful set of component processes, which are often regulated by the same effectors regardless of the cell type and the mode of migration. These processes include polarization, protrusion and adhesion, translocation of the cell body and retraction of the rear. These processes are coordinated and integrated by extensive transient, signaling networks.  Cell Migration Consortium/Nature Cell Migration Gateway http://cellmigration.org/science/index.shtml 
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_migration 

cell patterning: Cell-cell signaling is an important component of the stem cell microenvironment, affecting both differentiation and self-renewal. However, traditional cell-culture techniques do not provide precise control over cell-cell interactions, while existing cell patterning technologies are limited when used with proliferating or motile cells. To address these limitations, we created the Bio Flip Chip (BFC), a microfabricated polymer chip containing thousands of microwells, each sized to trap down to a single stem cell.  Cell Patterning Chip for Controlling the Stem Cell Microenvironment Adam Rosenthal,^1,2 Alice Macdonald,³ and Joel Voldman² Biomaterials. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2008 July 1. Published in final edited form as: Biomaterials. 2007 July; 28(21): 3208–3216. Published online 2007 March 27. doi:   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1929166/ 

cell phenotype: Examples of cell phenotypes found in the literature include life and death cell phenotypes, and gene expression studies of cancer cells.  Related term: biomarkers, cell genotype Google = about 4,460 Aug. 21, 2002; about 770,000 June 15, 2007, about 842,.000 Nov 12, 2007

cell physiology: While it [prediction of  the three- dimensional structure and function of proteins from their linear sequence information] would be a remarkable accomplishment, the future achievement of a satisfactory protein structure/ function predictive capability will simply provide a second important substratum upon which to begin the exploration of the intricacies of the operation of the living cell, since it is the interactions among cell proteins which, in large part, define cell physiology. Biologists understand a great deal about the protein constituents of cells, their roles in metabolism, the signaling roles of small molecules and selective modifications of intracellular proteins, and how cellular structures assemble themselves and transduce energy, but it is unlikely that a useful understanding of the cell will be possible until a quantitative appreciation of both rates and equilibria of molecular processes in the living cell is achieved. National Center for Research Resources "Integrated Genomics Technologies Workshop Report" Jan 1999

cellular reprogramming: Advances in reprogramming cellular mechanisms are transforming biomedical research and offer new insights on the etiology, development, and potential treatment of various diseases.  The Journal emphasizes novel approaches for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the phenomenon of reprogramming Journal of Cellular Reprogramming, Mary Ann Liebert http://www.liebertpub.com/products/product.aspx?pid=9    Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reprogramming   Related terms: epigenetics, stem cells

cell signalling proteomics: Proteomics categories
cell therapeutics: Biologics
cell ontology: http://www.obofoundry.org/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?id=cell  A structured controlled vocabulary for cell types.  
cellome, cellomics: Omes & omics
cellular bioinformatics: Bioinformatics

cellular component: The place in the cell where a gene product is active. Gene Ontology Consortium "Gene Ontology: tool for the unification of biology Nature Genetics 25: 25-29 May 2000
Related terms: Functional genomics biological function gene function,  Gene Ontology^TM Consortium; Proteins protein localization

cellular metabolism:  New genomic tools, particularly DNA microarrays, provide a previously unattainable global view of how gene expression patterns respond to various physiological stimuli, to mutations, and in disease states. Such knowledge provides a basis for insights into cellular metabolism that were not possible by studies of a few selected genes at a time. However, a DNA microarray, or any nucleic acid- based [DNA or RNA] methodology, is blind to many events that occur at the protein level. Therefore, they provide an indirect and incomplete picture of cellular function and hence additional information is needed for advancing human medicine and health care. The field of proteomics seeks to supply this knowledge by revealing the levels, activities, regulation, and interactions of every protein in the cell and how these quantities respond to a particular stimulus (e.g. drug, food, infection) or disease state or DNA alteration. In essence, proteomics builds on and complements the knowledge gained from  genomics .This significant effort in proteomics will provide discoveries about the cells' protein machinery that will likely yield important clinical applications. National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, Proteomics Initiative, NIH, US,  2001 http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HL-02-004.html

cellular phenotype: See cell phenotype Google = about 1,160 Aug. 21, 2002; about 182,000 Nov 12, 2007

cellular proteins: Miniaturized chemical instruments, "Lab- on- a- Chip" technologies, are being developed for rapid, comprehensive analysis of cellular proteins, as an alternative to the slow and labor- intensive 2D gel methods currently used for protein mapping... The conventional 2D PAGE method for resolving cellular proteins is not only laborious but also has poor reproducibility, sensitivity, and sample recovery.  [RS Ramsey, et. al. "Microfabricated Microfluidic Devices for Proteome Mapping" DOE Human Genome Program Contractor-Grantee Workshop VII  Jan. 12- 16, 1999  Oakland, CA] http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/publicat/99santa/144.html

cellular reprogramming: Stem cell 

cellular signaling: Cell signaling is at the core of most biological processes and represents a vibrant area of research. Signaling Update provides a one- stop overview of what's happening in cell signaling for the specialist researcher and the interested non- specialist alike. Nature Publishing Group and AfCS http://www.signaling-update.org/   Related term: Alliance for Cellular Signaling AfCS

centromere: The clear constricted portion of the chromosome at which the chromatids are joined and by which the chromosome is attached to the spindle during cell division. MeSH, 1991

chromatin: The material of CHROMOSOMES. It is a complex of DNA, HISTONES, and nonhistone proteins (CHROMOSOMAL PROTEINS, NON- HISTONE) found within the nucleus of a cell. MeSH, 1972

chromosome: A self-replicating structure consisting of DNA complexed with various proteins and involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information; the physical structure that contains genes (cf., plasmid). Eukaryotic cells have a characteristic number of chromosomes per cell (cf. ploidy [haploid or diploid]) and contain DNA as linear duplexes ... The chromosomes of bacteria consist of double- stranded, circular DNA molecules. MeSH

One of the threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of  chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of  their chromosomes from their mothers and half  from their fathers. NHGRI  Narrower terms: autosome, centromere, chromatin, euchromatin, heterochromatin, homologous chromosomes, telomere Related terms chromosome maps, cytogenetics, diploid, euchromatic, haploid, karyotype, ploidies, ploidy, somatic cell hybridization

Chromosome databases See Databases & software directory
chromosome maps, chromosome mapping: Maps genomic & genetic

cytogenetics: Branch of genetics which correlates the structure and number of chromosomes as seen in isolated cells with variation in genotype and phenotype. MeSH, 1967  Related terms: Genomics: genotype, phenotype

cytome, cytomics: -Omes & -omics

dendritic cells. A set of antigen- presenting cells present in lymph nodes, spleen and at low levels in blood, which are particularly active in stimulating T cells.  
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendritic_cell 

developmental biology:  The field of biology which deals with the process of the growth and differentiation of an organism.  MeSH, 1990

differentiation: The process by which cells become structurally and functionally specialized during embryonic development. Life Sciences

In cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly- differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably.  CancerNet  Related terms:  Stem cells multipotent, pluripotent, totipotent  Narrower term: cell differentiation- or is this equivalent? Broader term: developmental biology

diploid: The number of chromosomes in most cells except the gametes. In humans, the diploid number is 46. NHGRI  Broader term: ploidies, ploidy Related terms haploid; Sequencing haplotype

euchromatin: Chromosome regions that are loosely packaged and more accessible to RNA polymerases than HETEROCHROMATIN. These regions also stain differentially in CHROMOSOME BANDING preparations.  MeSH, 2001

In humans are particularly rich in genes.

Euchromatin network http://www.euchromatin.net/index.html

eukaryotes: Organisms whose cells have their genetic material packed in a membrane- surrounded, structurally discrete nucleus and with well- developed cell organelles.  Eukaryotes include all organisms except archaebacteria and eubacteria (cg. prokaryotes). IUPAC Biotech

eukaryotic cells: Cells of the higher organisms, containing a true nucleus bounded by a nuclear membrane MeSH, 1991

exosomes: Vesicles secreted from MULTIVESICULAR BODIES into the extracellular environment when the multivesicular bodies fuse with the PLASMA MEMBRANE. Multivesicular bodies are formed from ENDOSOMES when they accumulate vesicles (sometimes referred to as "intraluminal vesicles") from inward budding of the endosome membrane. MeSH 2009

Exosomes and Microvesicles September 19-21, 2012 • Washington, DC Program | Register | Download Brochure

Scientists are actively researching the role that exosomes may play in cell-to-cell signaling ...Exosomes are also referred to as microvesicles, epididimosomes, argosomes, exosome-like vesicles, microparticles, promininosomes, prostasomes, dexosomes, texosomes, dex, tex, archeosomes and oncosomes.^[12] This confusion in terminology has led to typical exosome preparations sometimes being referred to as microvesicles and vice versa.  Wikipedia "exosomee (vesicle) accessed April 29 2012

extracellular matrix: A meshwork- like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. MeSH, 1984  Related term: Protein Structures basement membranes

fibroblasts Connective tissue cells which secrete an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and other macromolecules. MeSH, 1965  Related terms: stem cells

flow cytometry: Cell technologies

fusion: The amalgamation of two distinct cells or macromolecules into a single integrated unit. IUPAC Biotech  Narrower term: cell fusion.

gamete: Mature male or female reproductive cell (sperm or ovum) with a haploid set of chromosomes (23 for  humans). DOE  Related term: germ cells

gene fusion: Fusion of structural genes to analyze protein behavior or fusion of regulatory sequences with structural genes to determine mechanisms of regulation. MeSH, 1998

gene library, genetic vector, genomic library: Genetic manipulation & disruption 

germ cells: The reproductive cells in multicellular organisms. Includes Ovum (Oocytes, Oogonia,   Zona Pellucida , Zygote) and Spermatozoa (Sperm Head + , Sperm Tail, Spermatids, Spermatocytes, Spermatogonia MeSH  Related terms: gamete, germline mutations

germline mutation: Molecular Medicine

An organelle composed of membranous sacs that packages proteins into vesicles and sends them to the cell's surface or to lysosomes.  NIGMS

haploid: The number of chromosomes in a sperm or egg cell, half the diploid number. NHGRI

A single set of chromosomes (half the full set of genetic material), present in the egg and sperm cells  of animals and in the egg and pollen cells of plants. Human beings have 23 chromosomes in their reproductive cells. Compare diploid.  DOE   Broader terms: ploidies, ploidy Related terms: diploid; Sequencing haplotype

heterochromatin: The portion of chromosome material that remains condensed and is transcriptionally inactive during INTERPHASE. MeSH, 1972

Highly repetitive lengths of DNA with little genetic information.

homologous chromosomes: A pair of chromosomes containing the same linear gene sequences, each derived from one parent. DOE

human cloning: Human cloning and human dignity: an ethical report, Presidents Council on Bioethics, 2002 http://bioethics.georgetown.edu/pcbe/reports/cloningreport/ 

image analysis/image processing:  Assays & screening [in context of high -content screening

karyotype: A photomicrograph of an individuals chromosomes arranged in a standard format showing the number, size, and shape of each chromosome type; used in low- resolution physical mapping to correlate gross chromosomal abnormalities with the characteristics of specific diseases. DOE

library: Combinatorial libraries & synthesis  How does this relate to combinatorial library and related terms in Drug discovery & development (or more general meanings of  "library").  Narrower terms: gene library, genomic library;  Microarrays  arrayed library; Sequencing DNA library 

lymphokines: Soluble protein factors generated by activated lymphocytes that affect other cells, primarily those involved in cellular immunity. MeSH 1974  Broader term: Protein categories: cytokines

lysis: Cell rupture caused by physical or chemical means, or by phage infection and propagation leading to the release of the cell content; also the death of microorganisms after the stationary phase of a batch fermentation. IUPAC Biotech

meiosis: The reductive cell division which results in daughter cells containing one copy of each of the chromosomes of the parent. The entire meiotic process involves two separate divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II). The first division is a true reductive division with the chromosome number being halved, whereas the second division resembles mitosis in many ways. Thus, a diploid parental cell will give rise to haploid daughter cells (cf. ploidy). IUPAC Biotech

A special method of cell division, occurring in maturation of the germ cells, by means of which each daughter nucleus receives half the number of chromosomes characteristic of the somatic cells of the species. MeSH, 1968 Related term: cell cycle

mesenchymal: Refers to cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue. [Cancernet] Part of the embryonic mesoderm. Related terms: Stem cells mesenchymal, mesenchymal stem cells, mesoderm, hematopoietic stem cells

mesoderm:  The middle germ layer of the embryo. MeSH

metabolism, metabolite: Metabolic profiling
micellar nanocontainers: Nanoscience & miniaturization

Microbial Cell Project: Dept. of Energy, US http://microbialcellproject.org/  

microvesicles: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microvesicles  See also exosomes. 

mitochondria: Organelles appearing in all eukaryotic cells which produce ATP as useful energy for the cell by oxidative phosphorylation. The proteins for the adenoseine  5’- triphosphate (ATP)- generating electron transport of the respiration chain are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondria contain many enzymes of the citric acid cycle and for fatty acid [beta]- oxidation. Many of them are coded for by nuclear DNA. IUPAC Biotech  Related terms: ATP,  mitochondrion; mitochondrial genes Gene definitions

mitochondrion: The cell organelle that converts the energy in sugars into ATP, thereby fueling the cell. NIGMS

mitosis: The process whereby a cell nucleus divides into two daughter nuclei, each having the same genetic component as the parent cell. IUPAC Biotech

A method of indirect cell division by means of which the two daughter nuclei normally receive identical complements of the number of chromosomes of the somatic cells of the species MeSH Related term: cell cycle

mixed cell populations- expression signals: Expression
molecular motors: Nanoscience & Miniaturization

morphometry: Measurement of shape, structure and form.  Used in a variety of disciplines, including environmental studies, geology, imaging and cell biology.

multicellular: Practically speaking, few processes peculiar to multicellular organisms have meaning when abstracted from anatomy, a particularly good example being developmental processes. The general consensus is that 'when it gets multicellular, it gets complicated'. Minutes of Gene Ontology Consortium Meeting 4- 6 November 2000 Lawrence Berkeley Labs Meeting)  http://www.geneontology.org/20001106_Berkeley.txt

nucleome: -Omes & -omics

nucleus: The central cell structure that houses the chromosomes. NHGRI Related terms: chromosomes, enucleated, mitochondria, organelles.

organelles: Separated components within a cell with specialized functions, e.g. nuclei (containing most of the genetic material), mitochondria (respiratory energy supply for the cell), chloroplasts (location of photosynthesis) etc. [IUPAC Biotech]

Specific, usually subcellular, particles of membrane- bound organized living substances present in  practically all eukaryotic cells, including mitochondria, the Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, centrioles and the cell center, as well as the plastids of plant cells. Includes also the minute organs of protozoa concerned with such functions as locomotion and metabolism. MeSH, 1989

ploidies:  The degree of replication of the chromosome set in the karyotype. MeSH, 1976 

ploidy: Indicates the number of sets of chromosomes present in an organism, e.g. haploid (one) or diploid (two). IUPAC Biotech

programmed cell death:  Frequently, the terms 'apoptosis' and 'programmed cell death' are used as synonyms. Programmed cell death was originally used in order to describe the locally and temporally defined cell death during embryogenesis. It was already in the middle of our century that cell death was recognized as a natural process in the development of organisms (Gluecksmann, 1951, Biol. Rev., 26: 59).  Apoptopedia, Cell Death Encyclopedia, 2001 http://www.celldeath.de/encyclo/index.html Click on A, go to Apoptosis entry and click on more.  Narrower term: apoptosis

prokaryote: A unicellular organism characterized by the absence of a membrane- bound nucleus.. Includes bacteria, blue- green algae (Cyanobacteria) and mycoplasmas. IUPAC Biotech

ribosomes:  Subcellular unit composed of specific rRNA molecules and a large number of proteins that are responsible for protein synthesis. IUPAC Compendium

Cellular organelle that is the site of protein synthesis. NHGRI

Early in 1958, a three-day symposium on microsomal particles in protein synthesis met at MIT, sponsored by the Biophysical Society, organized by Richard Roberts, who was head of a group at the Carnegie Institution in Washington... The most important development at the meeting was semantic. Roberts suggested that for clear and handy distinction between the particles and the amorphous cellular fraction of protein and fat in which they were found, the particles themselves should be called "ribosomes" - short for "ribonucleoprotein particles of the microsome fraction." The new term quickly spread into general use. HJ Freeman, Eighth Day of Creation Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1996, p. 338

From the Greek soma body

ribozymes: RNA

second messenger: An intracellular metabolite or ion increasing or decreasing as a response to the stimulation of receptors by agonists, considered as the "first messenger". This generic term usually does not prejudge the rank order of intracellular biochemical events. IUPAC Medicinal Chemistry

second messenger systems: Systems in which an intracellular signal is generated in response to an intercellular primary messenger such as a hormone or neurotransmitter. They are intermediate signals in cellular processes such as metabolism, secretion, contraction, phototransduction, and cell growth. Examples of second messenger systems are the adenyl cyclase- cyclic AMP system, the phosphatidylinositol diphosphate- inositol triphosphate system, and the cyclic GMP system. MeSH, 1989

A multi-step signal amplification process used by the cell to transmit, for example, signals from many hormones that cannot enter the cell directly. NIGMS

signal transduction: Metabolic engineering & profiling
single cell detection: Ultrasensitivity

somatic cell:  Any cell in the body except gametes and their precursors. [DOE] Are the precursors stem cells?

All body cells, except the reproductive cells. NHGRI  See also somatic cells Molecular Medicine

spliceosomes: Organelles in which the splicing and excision reactions that remove introns from precursor messenger RNA molecules occur. One component of a spliceosome is five small nuclear RNA molecules (U1, U2, U4, U5, U6) that, working in conjunction with proteins, help to fold pieces of RNA into the right shapes and later splice them into the message. MeSH, 1993  Related term: splicing Sequences DNA & beyond

subcellular fractionation: Concentrating a sample by separating out certain compartments of the cell. Allows study of cellular compartments and can provide greater resolution and sensitivity. 

subcellular locations: This document lists the UniProtKB controlled vocabulary used for the subcellular locations (including the membrane topologies and orientations terms) in the SUBCELLULAR LOCATION lines. Subcell, UniProt SwissProt Protein Knowledge Base 2007  http://beta.uniprot.org/docs/subcell 

T-Lymphocytes T Cells: Lymphocytes responsible for cell- mediated immunity. Two types have been identified - cytotoxic (T-LYMPHOCYTES, CYTOTOXIC) and helper T-lymphocytes (T-LYMPHOCYTES, HELPER- INDUCER). They are formed when lymphocytes circulate through the thymus gland and differentiate to thymocytes. When exposed to an antigen, they divide rapidly and produce large numbers of new T cells sensitized to that antigen.  MeSH, 1990 

telomere: A terminal section of a chromosome which has a specialized structure and which is involved in chromosomal replication and stability. Its length is believed to be a few hundred base pairs. MeSH, 1992    Involved in aging and senescence.

tissue: An aggregate of cells with different specialized characteristics that are organized anatomically, usually in the fixed framework of an organic matrix. The architectural organization that is maintained contributes to the performance of the specific collective function. Tissues are parts of organs. The term tissue is most often referred to in the context of solid tissue, as originating from a solid organ; however, tissue also can be defined broadly to include collections of cells and the extracellular matrix and/or intercellular substances from bodily fluids such as blood (NCI Best Practices working definition). BioLINC Glossary, NHLBI https://biolincc.nhlbi.nih.go

Toll Like Receptors TLRs: A family of pattern recognition receptors characterized by an extracellular leucine-rich domain and a cytoplasmic domain that share homology with the INTERLEUKIN 1 RECEPTOR and the DROSOPHILA toll protein. Following pathogen recognition, toll-like receptors recruit and activate a variety of SIGNAL TRANSDUCING ADAPTOR PROTEINS. MeSH 2006 (1998)   Wikipedia   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toll-like_receptor 

transient molecular complexes:  Many critical activities in a cell are spatially and/or temporally dependent on the creation and destruction of transient complexes of macromolecules. By definition, the components of the interactions within transient complexes are difficult to capture and characterize, yet this information is essential for robust modeling that can accurately describe how diseases develop and progress. Enabling high levels of precision in modeling will in turn lead to the rational identification of new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Extension of existing technologies and development of new technologies and processes for better characterization of these complexes could therefore have a critical impact, ultimately leading to new diagnostics and treatments for clinical application.  Recent advances in molecular biology have demonstrated that many gene products that promote disease development can have multiple activities that are dependant on their associations with other macromolecules in transient complexes. ..  The rational development of new therapies requires a detailed knowledge of all the activities and interactions of aberrant gene products, yet methods for the identification and characterization of transient interactions are extremely limited. Researchers need access to new technologies to enable this critical research. New Technologies for Transient Molecular Complex Characterization (SBIR [R43/R44]) NIH Program Announcement (PA) Number: PA-08-110 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-110.html 

virtual cell:  The Virtual Cell is a unique computational environment for modeling and simulation of cell biology . It has been specifically designed to be a tool for a wide range of scientists, from experimental cell biologists to theoretical biophysicists. The creation of biological or mathematical models can range from the simple, to evaluate hypotheses or to interpret experimental data, to complex multi-layered models used to probe the predicted behavior of complex, highly non-linear systems. Such models can be based on both experimental data and purely theoretical assumptions. http://www.nrcam.uchc.edu/ 

IUPAC definitions are reprinted with the permission of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

Bibliography
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Alpha glossary List

How to look for other unfamiliar  terms