key terms

key terms

Active Transport

The method of transporting material that requires energy.

Cell Wall

A rigid cell covering that protects the cell, provides structural support, and gives shape to the cell.

Central Vacuole

A large plant cell organelle that acts as a storage compartment, water reservoir, and site of macromolecule degradation.

Chloroplast

A plant cell organelle that carries out photosynthesis.

Chromatin

Protein-DNA complex that serves as the chromosomes' building material.

Chromosome

Structure within the nucleus that contains DNA, the hereditary material.

Cilium

A short, hair-like structure used to move an entire cell or substances along the cell's surface.

Concentration Gradient

An area of high concentration across from an area of low concentration.

Cytoplasm

The region between the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope, consisting of organelles and chemicals.

Cytoskeleton

The network of protein fibers that maintains cell shape and allows movement.

Cytosol

The gel-like material in the cytoplasm where cell structures are suspended.

Desmosome

A linkage between adjacent epithelial cells.

Diffusion

A passive process of transport down a concentration gradient.

Electrochemical Gradient

A gradient produced by electrical and chemical forces.

Endocytosis

Active transport moving substances into a cell.

Endomembrane System

Organelles and membranes in eukaryotic cells that modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Membranous structures that modify proteins and synthesize lipids.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell with a membrane-bound nucleus and other compartments.

Exocytosis

Process of passing material out of a cell.

Extracellular Matrix

Material secreted from animal cells that holds cells together and provides protection.

Facilitated Transport

Material movement down a concentration gradient using integral membrane proteins.

Flagellum

A long, hair-like structure used for cell movement.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model of the plasma membrane structure.

Gap Junction

A channel between adjacent animal cells for communication.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that sorts, tags, and packages lipids and proteins.

Hypertonic

Solution with higher osmolarity than inside the cell.

Hypotonic

Solution with lower osmolarity than inside the cell.

Isotonic

Solution with the same osmolarity as inside the cell.

Lysosome

Organelle that functions as the cell’s digestive component.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production.