Core Idea 1: The Cell and Biomolecules of Life

These flashcards cover the core concepts of cell theory, types of cells, organelle structures, and their functions.

Cell Theory

States that cells are the smallest unit of life, all cells come from pre-existing cells, and living organisms are composed of cells.

Eukaryotes

Organisms that possess a true nucleus (containing genetic material) and membrane-bound organelles; includes plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Prokaryotes

Organisms that lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; includes bacterial cells.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (rER)

Studded with ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis and processing.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (sER)

Lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.

Golgi Apparatus

Stacks of membrane-bound sacs that modify, package, and sort proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Mitochondrion

Double membrane organelle responsible for ATP production through cellular respiration.

Chloroplast

Double membrane organelle found in plant cells; site of photosynthesis.

Lysosome

Membrane-bound vesicle containing hydrolytic enzymes for digestion of cellular waste and macromolecules.

Cytoskeleton

Network of fibers providing structure and shape to the cell and facilitating movement.

Cell Surface Membrane

Also known as the plasma membrane; a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins, controlling the entry and exit of substances.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA); it serves as the control center for cell metabolism and reproduction.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane that encloses the nucleus; it has pores that regulate the exchange of materials (such as RNA and proteins) between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Nucleolus

A dense structure within the nucleus that synthesizes ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembles ribosome subunits, playing a crucial role in protein synthesis.