Biology Lab Week 2 - The Cell study guide

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the Biology Lab Week 2 study guide on cell structures, organelle functions, cell classification, and protists.

Prokaryote

An organism whose cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; Bacteria and Archaea are prokaryotes.

Eukaryotic cell

A cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Wet mount

A microscope slide prepared by placing a specimen in a drop of liquid, usually water, and placing a coverslip over it.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound structure in eukaryotic cells that contains hereditary material (DNA) and helps control cell activities.

Nucleolus

A region inside the nucleus containing rRNA and involved in producing ribosomal subunits.

Chloroplast

A plant/algal organelle containing chlorophyll where photosynthesis occurs.

Central vacuole

A large membrane-bound compartment in many plant cells that stores water and dissolved substances and helps maintain cell pressure and support.

Cytoplasm

The material inside the plasma membrane, excluding the nucleus in eukaryotic cells, where organelles and many cellular reactions are located.

Cell wall

A rigid layer outside the plasma membrane that provides support, protection, and shape; plant cell walls are composed mainly of cellulose.

Plasma membrane

The selectively permeable boundary surrounding a cell that regulates what enters and leaves.

Mitochondria

Membrane-bound organelles that produce most of a eukaryotic cell's ATP through cellular respiration.

Plant cell

A eukaryotic cell characterized by a cell wall and large central vacuole; photosynthetic plant cells also contain chloroplasts.

Animal cell

A eukaryotic cell that has a plasma membrane but no cell wall or chloroplasts, and lacks the large central vacuole characteristic of mature plant cells.

Protists

A diverse group of eukaryotic organisms; many are unicellular and may be autotrophic or heterotrophic.

Autotrophic protists

Protists that make organic food molecules using an energy source, commonly through photosynthesis.

Heterotrophic protists

Protists that obtain organic nutrients from other organisms or organic material.

Contractile vacuole

An organelle in certain protists that collects and expels excess water, helping maintain water balance.

Amoeboid movement

Movement in which a cell extends pseudopodia (temporary projections) and flows into them; characteristic of amoebas and some other cells.

Amyloplast

A colorless plant plastid that stores starch.

Bacteria

A domain of unicellular prokaryotic organisms; bacterial cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Capsule

A protective outer layer found outside the cell wall of some bacteria; it can help protect the cell and help it adhere to surfaces.

Cellulose

A structural carbohydrate that is a major component of plant cell walls.

Chromatin bodies

DNA associated with proteins in a less-condensed form within the nucleus; chromatin contains hereditary material.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria; they are prokaryotes and do not have chloroplasts.

Cristae

Folds of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion that increase surface area for processes involved in cellular respiration and ATP production.

Flagella

Long, whip-like cellular structures that can propel certain cells or organisms.

Cytoplasmic streaming

The directed movement of cytoplasm within a cell, helping move materials and organelles around the cell.

Organelle

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a particular function.

Plastid

A family of plant and algal organelles; examples include chloroplasts and starch-storing amyloplasts.

Ribosomes

Structures that carry out protein synthesis; they may be free in the cytoplasm or attached to rough endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotic cells.

Thylakoids

Flattened membrane sacs inside chloroplasts containing chlorophyll and other components used in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Pseudopodia

Temporary extensions of a cell used for movement and, in some organisms, engulfing food; the name means 'false feet.'

Vacuole

A membrane-bound compartment used for storage and other functions; plant cells typically have a large central vacuole.

Unicellular

Made of a single cell.