Cell Biology and Theory

Vocabulary flashcards covering the discovery of cells, cell theory, types of cells, and organelle functions based on the City Analogy.

Cell

The basic unit of life, often compared to bricks in a building analogy.

Robert Hooke

Scientist who first used the word "cell" in 1665 after discovering a honeycomb-like structure in cork under an early microscope.

Zacharias Janssen

A Dutch eyeglass maker according to the 1950's timeline entry who invented the very first microscope.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Scientist who examined pond water in 1674 and discovered a world of tiny living organisms he called "animalcules."

Matthias Schleiden

A German Botanist who stated in 1838 that plants are made up of cells.

Theodor Schwann

A German physiologist who concluded in 1839 that animals are also made up of cells.

Rudolf Virchow

Scientist who stated in 1885 that cells come from pre-existing cells through cell division.

Classical Cell Theory

The foundation of modern biology consisting of three parts: 1. All living organisms are made of cells, 2. Cells are the basic unit of life, and 3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Modern Cell Theory

An expansion of cell theory stating that cells carry genetic material passed during division, cells are basically the same in chemical composition, and energy flow occurs within cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; their DNA is typically found in a region called the nucleoid.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a defined nucleus containing genetic material (DNA) and various membrane-bound organelles; they are generally larger than prokaryotic cells.

Unicellular Organism

An organism classified as "one-cell-one-organism," which can be either prokaryotic (like bacteria) or eukaryotic (like some protists).

Multicellular Organism

An organism made up of more than one cell where functions are interconnected and survival depends on other cells.

Cell Nucleus

The "City Hall" or instruction center of the cell that houses DNA and is protected by a nuclear membrane.

Cell Membrane

Comparable to "the city limits," it is a semi-permeable boundary with specialized protein channels for regulated entry and exit.

Cytoplasm

The fluid-filled matrix or "premise" of the cell where organelles, water, salts, and organic molecules are present.

Ribosome

The "factories" of the cell; protein-synthesizing nanomachines that produce proteins required for the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Comparable to the "highway or road" of a city where produced products are transported to different locations.

Golgi Apparatus

The "post office" or sorting center of the cell where proteins are chemically tagged, classified, and dispatched to correct locations.

Mitochondria

The "powerhouse" or "Power plant" of the cell that produces energy through cellular respiration for all cellular activities.

Chloroplasts

Organelles exclusive to plant cells and photosynthetic organisms that convert solar energy into chemical energy.

Lysosomes

Comparable to a "recycling plant," these membrane-bound organelles contain digestive enzymes to degrade biomolecules and waste.

Vesicles

Comparable to "road trucks" that carry packed proteins to precise destinations within the cell.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles that manage nutrients, water, and waste, specifically responsible for regulating turgor pressure in plant cells.

Peptidoglycan

The material often used to make the rigid cell walls of bacteria.