Cell Biology and the Cell Cycle Flashcards

A complete vocabulary flashcard deck covering cell structures, membrane transport mechanisms, cellular organelles, and the cell cycle stages.

Composite Cell

A cell composed of three main parts: the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.

Hydrophilic Phosphate Heads

The water-loving portion of the phospholipid molecules that form the outer and inner surfaces of the cell membrane.

Hydrophobic Fatty Acid Tails

The water-fearing portion of the phospholipid molecules that make up the interior of the cell membrane bilayer.

Transmembrane Proteins

Membrane proteins that span completely across the cell membrane from one side to another.

Peripheral Membrane Proteins

Membrane proteins that do not fully span the cell membrane and are attached to one surface.

Cytoplasm

The cellular content consisting of clear liquid cytosol, a supportive cytoskeleton, and networks of membranes and organelles.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes that functions primarily in protein synthesis.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Endoplasmic reticulum lacking ribosomes that functions primarily in lipid synthesis.

Ribosomes

Structures that provide structural support for RNA molecules during protein synthesis, found on ER or scattered in cytoplasm.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that refines, packages, modifies, and delivers proteins.

Mitochondria

The powerhouses of the cell that contain enzymes needed for aerobic respiration and ATP synthesis.

Lysosomes

Organelles nicknamed the garbage disposals of the cell that contain digestive enzymes to break up old cell components and bacteria.

Peroxisomes

Organelles containing enzymes that function in bile acid synthesis, lipid breakdown, degradation of rare biochemicals, and detoxification of alcohol.

Centrosome

A structure consisting of two centrioles, each composed of 9 microtubule triplets, that functions in chromosome separation during cell division.

Cilia

Short extensions on the free surface of certain epithelial cells that increase surface area and move particles.

Flagella

Single, long tail-like extensions on the cell surface that allow cell movement.

Vesicles

Membranous sacs formed by pinching off pieces of the cell membrane to store materials.

Nucleolus

A nuclear structure composed of RNA and protein that serves as the site of ribosome production.

Chromatin

Loosely coiled fibers of protein and DNA located inside the cell nucleus.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Facilitated Diffusion

A passive movement mechanism using transmembrane protein carriers to move molecules such as glucose across the cell membrane.

Osmosis

A special type of passive diffusion where water moves across a selectively permeable membrane toward a region of higher solute concentration.

Isotonic Solutions

Solutions that possess the same or equal osmotic pressure.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with higher solute concentration and higher osmotic pressure compared to another solution.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with lower solute concentration and lower osmotic pressure compared to another solution.

Filtration

A passive process where hydrostatic pressure forces water and small solutes through a membrane.

Active Transport

A process requiring ATP energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient using carrier proteins.

Pinocytosis

A form of endocytosis in which cells engulf liquids.

Phagocytosis

A form of endocytosis in which a cell takes in larger solid particles, such as a white blood cell engulfing a bacterium.

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis

A form of endocytosis allowing cells to take in specific molecules called ligands that bind to surface receptors.

Telomeres

Built-in clocks located on the tips of chromosomes that dictate the maximum number of times a cell can divide.

Interphase

A metabolic phase in the cell cycle where the cell grows, synthesizes organelles, and replicates DNA during S phase.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis in which DNA condenses into chromosomes, centrioles migrate, spindle fibers form, and the nuclear membrane breaks down.

Metaphase

The second stage of mitosis in which spindle fibers attach to centromeres and chromosomes align midway between centrioles.

Anaphase

The third stage of mitosis where spindle fibers contract to pull sister chromatids toward opposite centrioles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes complete migration to the poles, unwind, and the nuclear envelope reappears.

Cytokinesis

Cytoplasmic division starting in anaphase where a contractile ring pinches the cell into two new cells.

Differentiation

The process through which cells develop into specialized types of cells with specific functions.

Apoptosis

A form of programmed cell death that serves as a normal part of development.