Cell Structures and Organelles Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the organelles, structures, and key components listed in the lecture notes.

Nucleus

Stores DNA and controls gene expression and cell activities.

Nucleolus

Produces rRNA and assembles ribosome subunits.

Ribosomes

Make proteins from mRNA.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Makes and begins processing proteins destined for secretion, membranes, or certain organelles.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Produces lipids, helps detoxify substances, and stores/releases calcium.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Mitochondria

Produce most of the cell's ATP (usable energy) through cellular respiration.

Lysosomes

Digest and recycle cellular waste, damaged organelles, and foreign material.

Peroxisomes

Break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances; produce and break down hydrogen peroxide.

Endosomes

Sort materials brought into the cell and direct them to other destinations, including lysosomes.

Vesicles

Transport proteins, lipids, and other materials around the cell or to/from the cell membrane.

Cytoskeleton

Provides shape, organization, movement, and internal transport.

Centrosome

Organizes microtubules and helps form the spindle during cell division.

Centrioles

Help organize microtubules, particularly during cell division; also contribute to formation of cilia and flagella.

Cilia

Move fluid/material across the cell surface or, in some cells, act as sensory structures.

Flagellum

Provides movement; human sperm cells have a flagellum.

Plasma (Cell) Membrane

Controls what enters and leaves the cell and allows communication with the environment.

Cytoplasm

Region between the nucleus and membrane containing organelles and where many metabolic reactions occur.

Cytosol

Fluid portion of the cytoplasm where many chemical reactions take place.

ATP

Usable energy produced primarily by mitochondria through cellular respiration.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA produced by the nucleolus to assemble ribosome subunits.

mRNA

Messenger RNA used by ribosomes to make proteins.

Calcium

Ion stored and released by the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER).

Hydrogen peroxide

Substance produced and broken down by peroxisomes during fatty acid breakdown and detoxification.

Microtubules

Structures organized by the centrosome and centrioles during cell division.