Eukaryotic Cells and Microorganisms Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the Eukaryotic Cells and Microorganisms lecture.

First Eukaryotic Cells

The first eukaryotic cells appeared on Earth 2 to 3 billion years ago.

Last Common Ancestor

A precursor to bacteria and eukaryotes, neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic, that gave rise to bacteria, archaea, and eukarya separately.

Origin of Mitochondria and Chloroplasts

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from more primitive cells that became trapped in eukaryotic cells.

Glycocalyx

An outermost boundary in eukaryotic cells that comes into direct contact with the environment, composed of polysaccharides, and provides protection and adherence to surfaces.

Cell Wall (Eukaryotic)

Rigid structures found in fungi and algae that provide structural support and shape, with a chemical composition different from bacterial cell walls.

Cytoplasmic (Cell) Membrane

A typical bilayer of phospholipids with embedded protein molecules in eukaryotic cells, containing sterols for membrane stabilization, acting as a selectively permeable barrier.

Nucleus

Compact sphere, most prominent organelle, separated from the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope, contains chromatin and nucleolus

Nucleolus

Site for ribosomal RNA synthesis

Chromatin

Units of genetic information in the cell, long, linear DNA molecules bound to histones, visible during mitosis

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Microscopic series of tunnels used in transport and storage

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Ribosomes attached to its surface; proteins held for packaging and transport (secretion)

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Does not contain ribosomes; synthesis and storage of lipids

Golgi Apparatus

Site of protein modification and transport, consists of a stack of flattened, disc-shaped sacs, closely connected to the endoplasmic reticulum

Lysosomes

Originate from the Golgi apparatus and contain a variety of enzymes, involved in intracellular digestion of food and protection against invading microorganisms

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound sacs, contain fluids or solid particles to be digested, excreted, or stored

Mitochondria

Supply the bulk of the energy of a cell in the form of ATP

Cristae

Folds on the inner membrane that hold the enzymes and electron carriers of aerobic respiration

Matrix

Holds ribosomes, DNA, and enzymes and other compounds used in metabolism

Chloroplasts

Capable of converting the energy of sunlight into chemical energy (carbohydrates) through photosynthesis

Ribosomes

Scattered freely in the cytoplasm and cytoskeleton, attached to RER, inside mitochondria and chloroplasts; full size of ribosome is 80S (combination of 60S and 40S subunits)

Cytoskeleton

Anchoring organelles, moving RNA and vesicles, permitting shape changes and movement

Yeast Cell

Round to oval shape, uses asexual reproduction

Hyphae

Long, thread-like cells found in filamentous fungi or molds

Dimorphic

Some fungi can take either yeast cell or hyphae form

Hetertrophic

Acquire nutrients from a wide variety of organic materials called substrates

Saprobes

Obtain substrates from dead plants and animals

Parasites

Live on the bodies of living animals or plants

Mycelium

The woven, intertwining mass of hyphae that makes up the body or colony of a mold

Septa

Cross walls dividing hyphae into segments

Spores

Fungal reproductive bodies

Parasitology

Study of protozoa and helminths

Protist

Any eukaryotic unicellular or colonial organism that lacks true tissues

Algae

Group of photosynthetic organisms, seaweed and kelp are the most recognizable, contain green chlorophyll

Plankton

Floating community of microscopic organisms, essential role in the aquatic food web, produce most of the earth’s oxygen

Trophozoite

Motile feeding stage, requires ample food and moisture to remain active

Cyst

Dormant, resting stage, formed when conditions become unfavorable for growth and feeding, important factor in spread of disease

Parasite

Term most often used to denote protozoan and helminth pathogens

Flatworms

Tapeworms and flukes

Roundworms (Nematodes)

Pinworms

Intermediate (secondary) host

The host in which larval development occurs

Definitive (final) host

Host in which adulthood and mating occur