Hoefnagels_Essentials4e_ch03_lecturePPT_Accessible

Cell

The smallest unit of life that can function independently, consisting of one or more cells.

Microscope

An instrument used to see objects that are too small to be visible to the naked eye.

Light Microscope

A type of microscope that uses light to view the entire cell.

Electron Microscope

A type of microscope that uses electrons to view the parts of cells and viruses with higher magnification.

Confocal Microscope

A microscope that enhances resolution by focusing light on a small area of a specimen, often using fluorescent dyes.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

A powerful tool for seeing internal cell structures by transmitting electrons through cells.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

A microscope that reveals details on cell surfaces by bouncing electrons off the surface.

Phospholipid

A molecule that makes up cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails.

Cell Membrane

A barrier that surrounds the cell, regulating what enters and exits to maintain homeostasis.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle containing DNA, which controls the production of proteins.

Ribosome

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins, found free in the cytosol or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis, consisting of rough ER (with ribosomes) and smooth ER.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.

Lysosome

An organelle containing enzymes that digest and break down cellular waste and large molecules.

Mitochondria

Organelles that harvest energy from food through the process of cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plants that carry out photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy stored in sugars.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein tracks and tubules in eukaryotic cells that provides structural support and aids in transport and movement.

Plasmodesmata

Channels through the plant cell wall that allow for the transport of nutrients and biochemicals between adjacent cells.

Prokaryotes

Simple, small, ancient forms of life characterized by the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

More complex organisms that evolved from prokaryotes, containing a nucleus and various organelles.

Selective Permeability

The property of a cell membrane that allows it to regulate what enters and exits the cell.

Hydrophobic,

A term describing nonpolar molecules that repel water.

Hydrophilic

A term describing polar molecules that are attracted to water.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that surrounds plant cells, providing shape and protection.

Tight Junctions

Connections between animal cells that create an impermeable barrier.

Gap Junctions

Channels that allow communication and transport of ions and small molecules between animal cells.

Magnetosomes

Membrane bubbles containing magnetic iron crystals found in some bacteria, helping them orient with magnetic fields.