Cell Biology and Types of Organisms (Cells, Protozoa, Bacteria, and Fungi)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering cell basics, bacterial shapes, protozoan locomotion, prokaryote vs. eukaryote differences and similarities, and basic fungi examples.

Cell

The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms; the smallest unit of life.

Coccus

A spherical-shaped bacterium.

Bacillus

A rod-shaped bacterium.

Spirillum

A spiral-shaped bacterium.

Amoeba

Protozoan that moves by pseudopodia (false feet).

Paramecium

Protozoan that moves by cilia.

Euglena

Protozoan that moves by flagella.

Nucleus

In cell organization, prokaryotes lack a true nucleus while eukaryotes have a defined nucleus.

Organelles

Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes have organelles.

Unicellular vs Multicellular

Prokaryotes are mostly unicellular; eukaryotes are mostly multicellular.

Cell size

Prokaryotes have a small cell size; eukaryotes have a larger cell size.

Cell membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that encloses the cell; present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Cytosol

Fluid component of the cytoplasm; present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes are present in both cell types and synthesize proteins.

DNA

Genetic material made of DNA; present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Yeast

A unicellular fungus.

Mold

A fungus that grows as hyphae (filamentous) and forms mold colonies.

Mushroom

The macroscopic fruiting body of some fungi; reproductive structure.