Cell Structure and Function – Chapter 3

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to cell structure and function.

Cell Theory

States that cells are the fundamental units of life, all organisms are composed of cells, and all cells come from preexisting cells.

Prokaryotes

Cells without membrane-enclosed internal compartments, such as bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotes

Cells that have internal compartments surrounded by membranes, including animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Plasma membrane

The membrane that separates the contents of the cell from the surrounding environment.

Cytoplasm

The semi-fluid matrix inside the cell that contains molecules used by the cell, including sugars and proteins.

Ribosomes

Cell structures where proteins are synthesized; not surrounded by a membrane and thus not considered organelles.

Cell Wall

A protective layer found outside the plasma membrane in most eukaryotic cells (except animals and some protists), made of varying materials.

Nucleus

The organelle where genetic information (DNA) is stored in eukaryotic cells, often containing one or more linear chromosomes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

The largest internal cellular membrane system, consisting of rough ER (with ribosomes) and smooth ER (without ribosomes), involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi body

An organelle that collects, sorts, packages, and distributes materials to other parts of the cell, modifying them as necessary.

Lysosomes

Vesicles that contain digestive enzymes; involved in recycling old cell parts and breaking down macromolecules.

Mitochondria

Organelles found in all eukaryotic cells that break down carbohydrates to produce ATP during cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in some eukaryotic cells that use solar energy to make carbohydrates through photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers in the cytoplasm that supports cell shape, assists in transportation, and aids in cell division.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes made of protein that are part of the cytoskeleton and are primarily used for movement within the cell.