Chapter 7a: Inside the Cell - Organelles

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cell organelles and their functions as discussed in the lecture.

Plasma Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that separates the cell from its external environment, creating a distinct internal environment.

Cytoplasm

The material within a living cell, excluding the nucleus, consisting of cytosol and organelles.

Ribosomes

Macromolecular machines composed of RNA and proteins that perform protein synthesis.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and are classified into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.

Endomembrane System

A series of membranes within the cell that produce, process, and transport proteins and lipids.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that processes, sorts, and ships proteins synthesized in the rough ER.

Mitochondria

Organelles that are the major site of cellular respiration and ATP synthesis, possessing their own DNA.

Chloroplasts

Organelles present in plants and algae that are the site of photosynthesis, containing their own DNA.

Lysosomes

Organelles only in animal cells that serve as recycling centers, digesting macromolecules and exporting monomers.

Cell Wall

A protective structure surrounding the plasma membrane in many prokaryotes and some eukaryotic cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments and tubules that provides structural support and facilitates movement within the cell.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle that stores and transmits genetic information.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The hypothesis that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated when a bacterial cell took up residence inside another cell.

Vacuoles

Large, membrane-bound structures in plant and fungal cells that function in storage, protection, and digestion.

Plasma Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that separates the cell from its external environment, creating a distinct internal environment.

Cytoplasm

The material within a living cell, excluding the nucleus, consisting of cytosol and organelles.

Ribosomes

Macromolecular machines composed of RNA and proteins that perform protein synthesis.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and are classified into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.

Endomembrane System

A series of membranes within the cell that produce, process, and transport proteins and lipids.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that processes, sorts, and ships proteins synthesized in the rough ER.

Mitochondria

Organelles that are the major site of cellular respiration and ATP synthesis, possessing their own DNA.

Chloroplasts

Organelles present in plants and algae that are the site of photosynthesis, containing their own DNA.

Lysosomes

Organelles only in animal cells that serve as recycling centers, digesting macromolecules and exporting monomers.

Cell Wall

A protective structure surrounding the plasma membrane in many prokaryotes and some eukaryotic cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments and tubules that provides structural support and facilitates movement within the cell.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle that stores and transmits genetic information.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The hypothesis that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated when a bacterial cell took up residence inside another cell.

Vacuoles

Large, membrane-bound structures in plant and fungal cells that function in storage, protection, and digestion.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An extensive network of membranes that is continuous with the outer nuclear membrane and composed of two distinct regions: rough ER and smooth ER.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A region of the ER studded with ribosomes, primarily involved in the synthesis and folding of proteins destined for secretion or insertion into membranes.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

A region of the ER lacking ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification of drugs and poisons, and storage of calcium ions.

Peroxisomes

Small, single-membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes that perform metabolic reactions, often producing hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct, which they then convert to water and oxygen.