Cell Biology Exam Review

Front

What is the role of Ran GEF in the secretory pathway?

Back

Ran GEF is involved in the regulation of nuclear transport and does not directly affect the secretory pathway when localized to the ER.

Front

What happens to cells with hyperactive cdc25?

Back

Cells with hyperactive cdc25 will divide more rapidly, resulting in many tiny cells due to premature cell cycle progression.

Front

How are apoptosis and the cell cycle interconnected?

Back

Apoptosis can be triggered by DNA damage leading to p53 activation, which phosphorylates Rb, potentially leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Front

How can you visualize the localization of a viral protein in live cells?

Back

By expressing the viral protein fused to GFP and visualizing it with confocal microscopy.

Front

What is the effect of adding non-hydrolyzable GTP to a GPCR?

Back

The GPCR becomes hyperactive, as it remains in an active state longer due to the inability to hydrolyze GTP.

Front

Define apoptosis.

Back

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and development.

Front

What is the function of cdk1 in the cell cycle?

Back

Cdk1 is a cyclin-dependent kinase that regulates the transition from G2 phase to mitosis.

Front

What is the significance of p53 in cellular response to stress?

Back

p53 is a tumor suppressor protein that regulates the cell cycle and can induce apoptosis in response to DNA damage.

Front

What is the role of Rab proteins in vesicular transport?

Back

Rab proteins are small GTPases that regulate the docking and fusion of vesicles with their target membranes.

Front

Explain the function of Sar-1 in the secretory pathway.

Back

Sar-1 is a GTPase that is essential for the formation of COPII-coated vesicles at the ER.