Cell Biology: Cell Structure, Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes, and Organelles

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes detailing cell theory, differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, animal and plant cell features, and specific organelle functions.

Prokaryote

A smaller, simpler, unicellular cell ($0.2 - 10\,\mu\text{m}$) that evolved around $3.8\text{ bye}$, lacking membrane-bound organelles and a nuclear membrane, with circular naked DNA, $70\text{s}$ ribosomes, and a peptidoglycan cell wall.

Eukaryote

A larger cell ($10 - 100\,\mu\text{m}$) that evolved around $2.7\text{ bye}$, containing membrane-bound organelles, a nucleus with linear DNA associated with histone proteins, and larger $80\text{s}$ ribosomes.

MR SHENG

A mnemonic for the 7 basic functions of life: Metabolism, Reproduction, Sensitivity, Homeostasis, Excretion, Nutrition, and Growth.

Original Cell Theory

The foundational theory stating that all living organisms are composed of unicellular or multicellular cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Plant Cell Storage and Structure

Contains a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large vacuole; stores carbohydrates as starch or sucrose.

Animal Cell Storage and Structure

Lacks a cell wall and chloroplasts, contains small vacuoles, and stores carbohydrates as glycogen.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A network of interconnected sacs covered with ribosomes that synthesizes, packages, and folds protein molecules in cisternae before transporting them in vesicles to the Golgi apparatus.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

An organelle containing enzymes for synthesizing lipids, phospholipids, and steroids; performs detoxification; and stores ions such as sodium and calcium.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that receives products from the rough ER by bulk flow, then uses cisternae to process, sort, label, and dispatch proteins and lipids in vesicles.

Mitochondria

Known as the powerhouse of the cell, it generates energy through the synthesis of ATP molecules and plays a key role in cellular respiration.

Nucleolus

The central region located inside the nucleus that is responsible for producing ribosomes.

Lysosomes

Waste treatment structures that break down cellular waste and transport undigested material to the cell membrane for removal; cause cell breakdown if exploded.

Vacuole

An organelle that isolates harmful or waste products, holds water, maintains turgor/hydrostatic pressure and pH, and exports unwanted substances.

Chloroplast

Plant cell organelle containing chlorophyll (granum) that functions as the site of photosynthesis.

Centrosomes

Structures containing centrioles that give structure to and assemble microtubules.

Cell Membrane

A semi-permeable membrane made of proteins and lipids that encloses cell contents, regulates cellular metabolism, and contains glycerol strands as reserve power.

Cytoplasm

A fluid consisting mostly of water with dissolved minerals that holds organelles and serves as the site for all metabolic reactions.

Cross-Section of an Animal Cell Diagram

A anatomical diagram detailing animal cell organelles including nucleus, nucleolus, mitochondria, lysosome, vacuole, Golgi body, ribosomes, RER, SER, centrosome, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.