Cells and Cellular Processes Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, organelles, tissue types, cell structures, transport mechanisms, and metabolism processes from NZ Diploma Module 1 Cells.

Active transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane by protein carriers against the concentration gradient, which requires energy.

Aerobic

Occurring with oxygen.

Anaerobic

Occurring without oxygen.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the cellular energy molecule whose breakdown is used to power cellular functions.

Cell

A structure made of molecules; generally with cytoplasm and specific organelles.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Filtration

The forcible movement of water and other small molecules through a capillary wall due to pressure.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types that perform a specific function within the body.

Osmosis

The movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration through a semi permeable membrane.

System

A group of organs that perform a specific role in the body.

Tissue

A group of cells with similar structure that work together as a unit.

Chemical level

The simplest level of structural hierarchy, referring to atoms combining to form molecules such as water, sugar, and proteins.

Cellular level

The structural level where molecules combine to form cells consisting of cytoplasm and organelles.

Nucleus

The control centre of the cell that contains the cell's genetic information known as DNA.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy for the cell in the form of ATP and regulate cellular metabolism and respiration.

Ribosomes

Organelles that produce proteins which are important for the structure of organs and tissues.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

A system of fluid-filled tubules which act as a mini circulatory system of the cell, carrying substances, mainly proteins, from one part of the cell to another.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Organelle involved in the metabolism of lipids (fats) and the detoxification of drugs.

Golgi apparatus

Known as the postmaster of the cell, where proteins are packaged for transport outside of the cell.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain powerful digestive enzymes that destroy non-usable and damaged cells.

Cytoplasm

A thick, jelly-like solution composed of water, salts, and proteins enclosed by the cell's membrane.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue type found covering the body, lining cavities, and forming glands.

Connective tissue

Tissue type providing body support, protection, and binding other body tissues together.

Nervous tissue

Tissue comprised of excitable cells called neurons which can initiate, send, and receive information.

Erythrocyte

Also known as a red blood cell (RBC); lacks a nucleus, contains few organelles, and contains haemoglobin to transport oxygen.

Epithelial cell

Specialised cells forming the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and lining body cavities and glandular tissue.

Skeletal muscle

Also known as striated or voluntary muscle; contains elongated, cylindrical cells up to $30\,\text{cm}$ long with contractile filaments.

Smooth muscle

Also known as non-striated, visceral, or involuntary muscle; spindle-shaped cells located in blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, and bronchioles.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary, striated, branching muscle cells with a single nucleus found only in the heart that contract spontaneously and independently.

Neuron

Specialised cell within the nervous system consisting of a cell body and an axon, characterized by irritability and conduction.

Axon

An arm-like attachment on a neuron that can vary in length up to $2\,\text{metres}$.

Myelin sheath

An extensive plasma membrane covering most axons that protects and insulates the nerve fibre.

Synapse

A junction (tiny gap) at the end of a neuron which separates neurons.

Extracellular fluid

Body fluid existing outside of the cells, accounting for about one third of total body water content.

Intracellular fluid

Body fluid existing inside the cells, accounting for about two thirds of total body water content.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid in the space surrounding the cells, also known as tissue between the cells.

Cell membrane

Also known as the plasma membrane; a semi-permeable, flexible barrier that separates the interior of the cell from its external environment.

Passive transport

The simplest form of membrane transport occurring when molecules pass across the cell membrane without requiring the cell to use energy.

Facilitated passive diffusion

Process that selectively allows molecules to cross the cell membrane along the concentration gradient using specialised transport proteins without energy.

Glycolysis

Step one of cellular metabolism where one glucose molecule is broken down into $2$ molecules of pyruvic acid and $2$ molecules of ATP.

Aerobic metabolism

The generation of ATP using glucose in the presence of oxygen, producing an overall yield of $38$ ATP molecules alongside $CO_2$ and $H_2O$.

Anaerobic metabolism

The generation of energy using glucose in the absence of oxygen, resulting in a total yield of $2$ ATP molecules and lactic acid.