AKS 1 Cells - Structure and Transport

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering cell organelles, their functions, and homeostatic roles based on AKS 1 lecture notes.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a similar, same, or "still standing" internal state within an organism.

Nucleus

The command center for the cell that separates DNA from the rest of the cell and stores genetic instructions for all cell activities.

Nucleolus

A structure located within the nucleus that makes ribosomes.

Nuclear Pores

Openings in the nuclear membrane that allow RNA to leave the nucleus.

Golgi Apparatus

The site of protein modification, sorting, and packaging for export; it is composed of folding membranes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle located right outside the nucleus coated in ribosomes; its main function is protein production and transport.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle that branches off from the rough ER used for lipid synthesis, building fats/hormones/steroids, and detoxification.

Mitochondria

The organelle that provides energy by conducting aerobic cellular respiration to produce $ATP$.

$$ATP$$

The usable energy produced in the mitochondria that powers the processes of the cell.

Lysosome

The site of protein degradation and destruction containing hydrolytic enzymes to break down waste, old cell parts, and harmful bacteria/viruses.

Peroxisome

An organelle with a crystalline core that breaks down fatty acids, fats, toxins, and hydrogen peroxide.

Cell Membrane

A structure that protects, supports, and controls which materials exit and enter the cell.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibrous proteins that maintains the cell's support, shape, and movement.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like fluid within the cell consisting of cytosol, organelles, and the cytoskeleton.

Cell Wall

A structure found only in plant cells that provides additional support and protection.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found only in plant cells that trap energy from the sun to make glucose through photosynthesis.

Vacuoles

Storage sacks for water, salts, food, and unused materials.

Ribosomes

Structures that assemble proteins; they are located in the cytoplasm and on the rough ER.

Eukaryote

A type of cell that contains a membrane-enclosed nucleus, nucleolus, and mitochondria.

Prokaryote

A type of cell that lacks a membrane-enclosed nucleus and instead has a nucleoid region.

AKS

Stands for Academic Skills and Knowledge.