Cell Structure, Function, and Transport Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cell biology, organelles, membrane structure, cellular transport, and biological organization based on lecture review worksheets.

Passive transport

Transport that does not require energy from the cell.

Concentration gradient

Difference in the concentration of molecules across a space.

Equilibrium

Condition in which the concentration of molecules is equal throughout a space.

Diffusion

Movement of a substance down the substance's concentration gradient.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water through a membrane.

Hypertonic solution

Solution that causes a cell to shrink because of osmosis.

Hypotonic solution

Solution that causes a cell to swell because of osmosis.

Isotonic solution

Solution where the concentration of both solutions is equal.

Ion channel

Transport protein through which ions can pass.

Carrier protein

Protein used to transport specific substances across a membrane.

Facilitated diffusion

Passive transport using carrier proteins.

Active transport

Movement of a substance against the substance's concentration gradient.

Sodium-potassium pump

An example of a cell membrane "pump".

Endocytosis

Movement of a substance by a vesicle to the inside of a cell.

Exocytosis

Movement of a substance by a vesicle to the outside of a cell.

Vesicle

Organelle that fuses with lysosomes in order that contents can be digested.

Contractile vacuole

Organelle that pumps water out of the cell.

Thylakoid

Flattened sac in a chloroplast.

Cell

Basic unit of life.

Tissue

Group of cells that carry out a specific function.

Cytosol

Part of the cytoplasm.

Chlorophyll

Green pigment found in plants.

Cell theory

Scientific theory stating that all living things are made of cells.

Plasma membrane

Regulates what enters and leaves a cell.

Ribosome

Structure responsible for protein synthesis.

Prokaryote

Single-celled organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus.

Flagellum

Structure that protrudes from cell's surface and enables movement.

Organelle

Structure that carries out specific activities in a cell.

Cilium

Short hairlike structure on the cell surface.

Eukaryote

Organism whose cells each have a membrane-bound nucleus.

Nucleus

Organelle that houses the cell's DNA.

Cytoplasm

Interior of cell.

Cytoskeleton

Network that keeps cell membrane from collapsing.

Plastid

Type of plant organelle of which a chloroplast is one.

Phospholipid bilayer

Double layer of phospholipids forming the basis of cell membranes.

Centriole

Structure found in animal cells but not plant cells.

Organ

Group of tissues that work together.

Nucleolus

Dense area of the nucleus.

Microtubule

Hollow tube that acts like a track in the cell.

Chromosome

Structure containing condensed DNA.

Endoplasmic reticulum

An extensive system of internal membranes that move proteins and other substances through the cell.

Nucleoplasm

The jellylike liquid in the nucleus.

Golgi apparatus

The packaging and distribution center of the cell.

Lysosomes

The organelles that contain the cell's digestive enzymes.

Mitochondria

The organelles that transfer energy from organic compounds to ATP.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that use light energy to make carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.

Central vacuole

Organelle that stores water and may contain many substances, such as enzymes, water, and wastes.

Cell wall

Thick layer surrounding the cell membrane of a plant that supports and protects the cell.

Colonial organism

A collection of identical cells that live together in a connected group.

Nuclear envelope

A double membrane that is covered with pores.

Microfilaments

Long threads made of actin.

Surface area-to-volume ratio

Physical ratio that limits the size of a cell.

Organ system

A group of organs that perform related tasks.