#3 Cell Biology and Macromolecules Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the lecture transcript covering biological macromolecules, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell features, and membrane-bound organelles.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; an example of a nucleotide that serves as the primary source of energy in the cell, produced mainly by the mitochondria.

Triglycerides

An example of fats composed of one glycerol head and three fatty acid tails.

Phospholipids

Lipids composed of a glycerol head, a phosphate group, and two nonpolar fatty acid tails that form biological membranes.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that forms the outer covering and plasma membrane of animal cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus.

Eukaryotic Cells

Structurally complex cells that possess a true membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped prokaryotes or bacteria, such as Bacillus anthracis.

Coccus

Spherical-shaped bacteria that can occur in pairs, chains, or clusters.

Flagellum

A long, thin protein appendage or extension that rotates to move bacteria and other cells through fluid media.

Fimbriae

Short appendages on some bacteria that allow them to attach to host cells.

Nucleoid

The region of the cytoplasm in prokaryotic cells where DNA is located.

Integral Proteins

Proteins that penetrate into the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane.

Peripheral Proteins

Proteins located strictly on the surface of the cell membrane.

Cytoplasm

Also called cytosol; the fluid, gelatinous medium inside a cell composed of water, salt, and dissolved organic chemicals.

Nucleoplasm

The fluid medium or space contained within the nucleus.

Ribosomes

Small cell structures located in the cytoplasm or on endoplasmic reticulum that synthesize proteins.

Cellulose

A complex carbohydrate that forms the main constituent of the primary cell wall in plant cells.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of folded membranes studded with ribosomes involved in the folding, modification, and transport of proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of folded membranes lacking ribosomes that functions in synthesizing lipids and carbohydrates.

Golgi Apparatus

Stacks of small membrane sacs responsible for processing, packaging, and distributing proteins and lipids.

Lysosomes

Membrane vesicles involved in cell digestive functions and metabolic processes.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell where ATP energy is generated during cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found mostly in plant cells that are responsible for carrying out photosynthesis.

Centrioles

Structures composed of microtubules that produce spindle fibers and play a key role in cell division.

Central Vacuole

A prominent, large vacuole present specifically in plant cells.