(1) Basic Cell Types and Structure

Astrobiology

The study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and ultimate fate of life in the universe.

Photosynthesis

The process that allows organisms to use sunlight to manufacture energy-storing products while releasing oxygen.

major effect of photosynthesis’s creation?

-reliance on solar energy rather than limited chemical energy

-Productive biosphere & biochemical reactions

functions of life

mnemonic: Rich Homophobic Monsters Grow Roses

reproduction

homeostasis

metabolism

growth

response

Extremophile

An organism that thrives in harsh environments, such as high or low temperatures and pH levels.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotes

Cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound compartments or sacs.

Heterotroph

Organisms that consume food made by other organisms for energy.

Autotroph

Organisms that create and consume their own food using sunlight and simple molecules like carbon dioxide and water.

Anabolic

Processes that involve the synthesis of molecules.

Catabolic

Processes that involve the breakdown of molecules.

Endosymbiosis

A mutually beneficial relationship in which one organism lives inside another.

Stromatolites

3.5-billion-year-old layered rock formations that provide fossil evidence of early oxygen-producing bacteria.

Biogenic Elements

The essential elements required for habitability, including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Cell Theory

The theory that cells are the most basic unit of life, all organisms are made of cells, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

What do eukaryotes have that prokaryotes don’t?

lysosomes

Microvilli

small projections that come out of cells during absorption

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein structures within cells that provides shape and facilitates movement.

plasma membrane

protection & filter for incoming substances

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

cytoplasm

gelatinous liquid in cell that holds cellular structures in place

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Chloroplast

Organelles in plant cells that are the site of photosynthesis.

Thylakoids

Membrane-bound sacs within chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Vesicles

Membrane-bound spheres that function in storage and transport within cells.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis.

Nucleus

The organelle that houses the cell's chromosomes and directs the synthesis of ribosomes and proteins.

peroxisome

break down toxic molecules & specific fats

fimbriae

a prokaryote feature:

stick on surfaces

pili

a prokaryote feature:

exchange genetic material during reproduction

microtubules

A feature of the cytoskeleton which:

act as tracks for motor proteins to transport vesicles, proteins & organelles

centrosome

A feature of the microtubule which:

only within animal cells + microtubule-organizing center

intermediate filaments

fibrous proteins that hold organelles in place

microfilaments

dense 3D network below plasma membrane providing cell shape & movement of the cell

vacuole

storage, ingestion, digestion, excretion, & expulsion of substances

endoplasmic recticulum

factory & highway system for making, folding, and transporting proteins and lipids

Rough Endoplasmic Recticulum

a feature of the endoplasmic reticulum which:

has ribosomes bound to it + makes secretory & membrane protein through structural modifications

Smooth Endoplasmic Recticulum

a feature of the endoplasmic reticulum which:

synthesizes carbs, lipids, steroid hormones; detoxification; stores calcium ions