Chapter 1-6 Biology and Study Skills - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key study strategies and core cell biology concepts from the lecture notes.

Flow (study flow)

A state of deep concentration during study; entering flow takes about 15 minutes; distractions break flow.

Opportunity Cost

The value of the best alternative forgone when choosing to spend time on one activity (e.g., phone use) instead of studying.

Prokaryotic Cells

Smallest, simplest cells that lack a nucleus; genetic information resides in the cytoplasm; include Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; more complex structure.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound organelle that houses genetic material in eukaryotic cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Network of membranes connected to the nucleus; processes and transports proteins.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that packages, modifies, and ships proteins and lipids via vesicles.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound carriers that transport materials between organelles and to/from the cell membrane.

Mitochondria

Organelle responsible for energy production (ATP); has a double membrane.

Cristae

Folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane that increase surface area for energy-related reactions.

Cytoplasm

The contents inside the cell membrane (excluding the nucleus); includes cytosol and organelles.

Plasma Membrane

The cell’s outer membrane that encloses the cytoplasm and regulates entry/exit.

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic distinction

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; Eukaryotes have a nucleus and organelles; Bacteria/Archaea are prokaryotes; Eukaryotes evolved later.

Auto (prefix) / Phagy (suffix)

Auto = self; Phagy = eating; roots used to describe processes like autophagy (self-eating) in biology.

Bacteria

Domain of prokaryotic organisms; simple, nucleus-free cells.

Archaea

Domain of prokaryotic organisms similar to bacteria but with distinct genetics and biochemistry.

Electron Microscopy (EM)

Imaging technique that uses electrons to visualize cellular ultrastructure (organelles) at high resolution.

Compartmentalization

Division of cellular processes into separate organelles to increase efficiency and control.

ER to Golgi Transport

Proteins synthesized in the ER are transported to the Golgi for processing and packaging.

Cell Theory

Fundamental biological principle stating that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic units of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells

Ribosomes

Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis (translation), found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells