Cell Biology Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell types, organelles, protein shipping pathway, cellular transport types, tonicity, cell membrane behavior, and key cell biology terms.

Prokaryotic Cell

A simple cell with no nucleus, DNA in the cytoplasm, and no membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).

Eukaryotic Cell

A complex cell with a nucleus containing DNA and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals, fungi).

Nucleus

An organelle that stores DNA and controls cell activities.

Ribosome

An organelle that makes proteins.

Rough ER

An organelle that makes and transports proteins.

Smooth ER

An organelle that makes lipids and performs detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, packages, and ships proteins.

Mitochondria

An organelle that produces ATP/energy for the cell.

Chloroplast

An organelle responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.

Vacuole

An organelle used for storage within the cell.

Lysosome

An organelle that breaks down waste and old cell parts.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable membrane that controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that provides support and protection in plant cells.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like area inside the cell where many reactions occur.

Cytoskeleton

A structure that gives shape and support to the cell and helps movement.

Protein-Making Pathway

The sequential pathway for protein production and transport: DNA $\rightarrow$ Ribosome $\rightarrow$ Rough ER $\rightarrow$ Golgi $\rightarrow$ Vesicle $\rightarrow$ Cell membrane.

Cellular Transport

The movement of substances into and out of cells across the cell membrane.

Passive Transport

Transport across the cell membrane that does NOT require energy (ATP) and moves substances down the concentration gradient.

Active Transport

Transport across the cell membrane that requires energy (ATP) and can move substances against the concentration gradient (LOW $\rightarrow$ HIGH).

Diffusion

The movement of molecules down a concentration gradient from HIGH concentration $\rightarrow$ LOW concentration without requiring ATP.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport moving molecules from HIGH $\rightarrow$ LOW concentration without ATP, using protein channels or transport proteins in the membrane.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane toward the side with higher solute concentration.

Solute

The substance that dissolves in a solution (e.g., salt).

Solvent

The substance that does the dissolving in a solution (e.g., water).

Concentration Gradient

A difference in concentration of a substance between two areas.

ATP

Usable cellular energy produced by the mitochondria used for active transport and cellular activities.

Vesicle

A small membrane sac used to transport substances.

Endocytosis

A form of bulk transport where the cell brings substances IN.

Exocytosis

A form of bulk transport where the cell sends substances OUT.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution where the outside has a LOWER solute concentration than inside the cell, causing water to move INTO the cell.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution where the outside has a HIGHER solute concentration than inside the cell, causing water to move OUT OF the cell.

Isotonic Solution

A solution where the solute concentration is THE SAME inside and outside the cell, resulting in water entering and leaving at equal rates.

Cytolysis

The bursting of an animal cell when placed in a hypotonic solution.

Crenation

The shrinking of an animal cell when placed in a hypertonic solution.

Plasmolysis

The shrinking of a plant cell in a hypertonic solution where the cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall.

Turgor Pressure

The force created by water inside a plant cell pushing against the cell wall.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure associated with water movement during osmosis.

Selectively Permeable Membrane

A membrane that allows some substances to pass through while blocking others.

Equilibrium

A state reached when concentrations are equalized, with no net change in concentration.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a relatively stable internal environment inside a cell or organism.