Cellular Organelles and Structures

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structures, characteristics, and functions of cellular organelles based on the provided lecture transcript.

Chloroplast

A spherical-shaped organelle with two membranes whose inner space is called stroma, containing thylakoid stacks called grana, and serving as the main site of photosynthesis.

Centriole

A cellular structure located near the nucleus that, together with the mitotic spindle, forms the foundation of the mitotic apparatus.

Mitochondria

The energy and metabolic-respiratory center of the cell featuring a double membrane (smooth outer membrane and an inner membrane forming cristae) surrounding an internal space called the matrix.

Vacuoles

Organelles typical for plant cells that are filled with cell sap, maintain internal cell pressure, and serve as a storage site for substances.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A system of interconnected channels functioning as the synthetic center of the cell.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

A form of ER involved in the synthesis of vitamin D, lipids, and cell organelles.

Rough (Granular) Endoplasmic Reticulum

A form of ER that contains ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.

Ribosomes

Structures essential for protein synthesis that make up 25% of the cell mass and exist freely in the cytoplasm or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Golgi Apparatus (Dictyosome)

An organelle composed of vesicles with synthetic and secretory functions, responsible for modifying substances intended for excretion.

Lysosomes

Single-membrane-enclosed organelles containing hydrolytic enzymes responsible for intracellular digestion and cell self-destruction during disease, serving a function in animal cells similar to vacuoles in plant cells.

Inclusions

Non-living cellular components consisting of crystalline structures without metabolic activity that are visible only under an electron microscope.

Plastids

Organelles that distinguish plant cells from animal cells, with the chloroplast being the most well-known type.

Chromoplasts

A category of plastids that contain colored pigments.

Leukoplasts

Non-colored plastids that primarily serve a storage function.