Inside the Cell

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and their definitions related to cellular biology, focusing on the structures and functions of cells as discussed in the lecture.

Cell

The fundamental unit of life.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a membrane-bounded nucleus.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a membrane-bounded nucleus.

Macromolecules

Large molecules essential for cell functions including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Plasma Membrane

A selectively permeable membrane barrier surrounding the cell.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that manufacture proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that is an extension of the nuclear envelope, involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Rough ER

The portion of the endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.

Smooth ER

The portion of the endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes and synthesizes lipids.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies proteins and lipids from the ER and prepares them for transport.

Lysosomes

Recycling centers in cells that digest macromolecules and export monomers.

Vacuoles

Large membrane-bound structures primarily for storage in plant and fungal cells.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that detoxify harmful substances and are involved in lipid metabolism.

Mitochondria

Organelles that convert energy stored in food molecules into ATP through cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles where photosynthesis occurs in plant and algal cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers that provides shape and support to the cell.

Endomembrane System

A system of membranes in eukaryotic cells that includes the ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and vesicles.

Eubacteria

One of the three domains of life, consisting of prokaryotic organisms.

Archaea

One of the three domains of life, consisting of prokaryotic organisms that often live in extreme environments.

Eukarya

One of the three domains of life, consisting of all eukaryotic organisms.

Signal Sequence

An amino acid sequence that directs the transport of a protein to its specific location.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells internalize substances by wrapping them in a section of the plasma membrane.

Exocytosis

The process of transporting materials out of the cell by vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane.