Term 1 - Cells and cellular structures

Cell Theory

The principle stating that the basic unit of life is the cell, all organisms are made up of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Organelle

Structures within a cell that carry out specific functions necessary for the cell's survival.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy through respiration, acting as the cell's power plant.

Chloroplast

Organelles found in plant cells that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that contains genetic information in the form of DNA.

Rough ER

The endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis and transport.

Smooth ER

The endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing enzymes that digest cellular waste and help in immune responses.

Vacuole

Storage organelle that can contain nutrients, waste, and provide structural support in plant cells.

Cell Membrane

The boundary of the cell made up of a phospholipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances in and out.

Centriole

Cell structure that aids in cell division, typically found only in animal cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of filaments providing shape, structure, and movement within the cell.

Ribosome

The site of protein synthesis found on the rough ER or freely floating in the cytosol.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms without membrane-bound organelles, e.g. bacteria.

Eukaryotes

Organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, containing membrane-bound organelles.

Robert Hooke

The scientist who first observed and named cells using a microscope.

Turgor Pressure

Pressure exerted by the vacuole against the cell wall, maintaining plant cell structure.

Electron Microscope

A type of microscope that uses a beam of electrons for higher resolution images of cells.

Capsule

An external layer found on some prokaryotes that aids attachment to surfaces.

Flagellum

A tail-like structure that provides movement to cells.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus, separating it from the cytoplasm.

Chromatin

The material of which the chromosomes of organisms are composed, consisting of protein and DNA.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus that produces ribosomes.

Cristae

The folds of the inner membrane of mitochondria that increase surface area for ATP synthesis.

Which statement is not part of the cell theory?

Who was the first scientist to use the term cell after observing a cork under a microscope?

Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell ?