Eukaryotic Cells, Fungal Biology & Related Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering major terms from the lecture on eukaryotic cells, endosymbiosis, cellular organelles, fungal morphology, and related medical concepts.

Endosymbiosis

Process in which once-free prokaryotes became internal organelles (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts) inside a host cell.

Eukaryotic Cell

Cell type with membrane-bound nucleus, multiple organelles, and usually larger size than prokaryotes.

Protozoa

Unicellular, mostly motile eukaryotic parasites (e.g., Giardia).

Helminths

Multicellular parasitic worms such as tapeworms; classified as eukaryotes.

Cytoplasmic Membrane

Phospholipid bilayer that encloses cytoplasm and regulates transport in eukaryotic cells.

Glycocalyx

Polysaccharide-rich outer coating (extracellular matrix) involved in adhesion, protection, and cell communication.

Microtubules

Tubulin-based cytoskeletal filaments forming flagella, cilia, and intracellular tracks in eukaryotes.

Cilia (eukaryotic)

Short, numerous microtubule-based projections that beat for locomotion or fluid movement.

Flagella (eukaryotic)

Long whip-like microtubule structures that propel a cell.

Extracellular Matrix

Network of glycocalyx fibers allowing cells to anchor, communicate, and maintain spacing.

Chitin

Rigid polysaccharide in fungal cell walls and insect exoskeletons; provides strength.

Cellulose

Plant and some algal polysaccharide; forms tough cell walls indigestible to humans.

Nucleolus

Dense region inside nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized.

Mitosis

Asexual division producing two genetically identical somatic cells.

Meiosis

Reduction division that generates haploid sex cells (sperm, ova).

Chromatin

DNA-protein complex that condenses to form eukaryotic chromosomes.

Chromosome

Tightly packaged linear DNA molecules; humans have 46 (23 pairs).

Histone

Protein spool around which eukaryotic DNA winds; regulates gene expression.

Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)

Genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER studded with ribosomes; site of protein synthesis and transport.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER lacking ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

Flattened sacs that modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for transport.

Lysosome

Membrane sac containing hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion and cleanup.

Vacuole

Membrane-bound storage sac for fluids, nutrients, or waste in eukaryotes.

Mitochondrion

Double-membraned organelle producing ATP; contains its own DNA and 70S ribosomes.

Chloroplast

Photosynthetic organelle in algae and plants; converts light energy to chemical energy.

80S Ribosome

Cytoplasmic ribosome of eukaryotes composed of 60S and 40S subunits.

70S Ribosome

Smaller ribosome of bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

Cytoskeleton

Framework of actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments that shapes and moves cells.

Actin Filament

Thin cytoskeletal fiber providing motility and structural support.

Hyphae

Long thread-like fungal filaments forming the body of molds.

Pseudohyphae

Chains of budding yeast cells that remain attached, resembling true hyphae.

Dimorphic Fungi

Fungi able to grow as yeast or mold depending on environmental conditions.

Heterotrophic

Nutrition mode in which organisms obtain organic molecules from diverse external sources.

Saprobe

Organism (often fungus) that feeds on dead organic matter.

Parasite

Organism living on or in a host, deriving nutrients without benefiting the host.

Mycelium

Interwoven mass of hyphae constituting a fungal colony.

Septum (plural Septa)

Cross-wall dividing hyphae into separate segments.

Spore

Reproductive, resistant structure that germinates into a new fungal organism.

Sporangium

Enclosure at hyphal tip where asexual spores are produced.

Opportunistic Infection

Disease caused by normally harmless microbes in immunocompromised hosts.

Macroscopic Fungi

Visible fungal forms such as mushrooms and puffballs.

Microscopic Fungi

Unseen forms like molds and yeasts, observed with microscopy.

Tinea pedis

Athlete’s foot; fungal infection of the feet caused by dermatophytes.