Cell Structure and Function

Flashcards covering the structure and function of cells, including the roles of the nucleus, cytoplasm, and organelles, as well as the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cellular reproduction

The process by which a single cell divides and forms two new cells.

Nucleus

Plays a crucial part in determining the way the cell will develop and what form it will exhibit at maturity, by directing the chemical activities of the cell.

Nucleoid

An undefined nuclear region containing only nucleic acids, found in organisms like bacteria.

Prokaryotes

Organisms whose cells lack a nuclear membrane.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with cells having a nuclear membrane.

Cytoplasm

The fluid content inside the plasma membrane, containing specialised cell organelles.

prokaryotes

In __ , besides the absence of a defined nuclear region, membrane-bound cell organelles are absent.

Eukaryotic

__ cells have a nuclear membrane as well as membrane-enclosed organelles.

membranes

Viruses lack any __ and hence do not show characteristics of life until they enter a living body and use its cell machinery to multiply.

Cells

The fundamental structural and functional units of all known living organisms. They are the smallest units of life that can replicate independently, and they are classified into two main types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.

Nuclear membrane

A double-layered membrane that surrounds the nucleus of a cell, separating the nucleoplasm from the cytoplasm. It is essential for maintaining the genetic material and controlling the movement of substances into and out of the nucleus.

Cell organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions. They are enclosed by membranes and are found in eukaryotic cells, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes.

Genes

The basic unit of heredity, made up of DNA and located on chromosomes. Genes contain instructions for building proteins and determine the traits of an organism.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

A complex molecule containing the genetic information necessary to build and maintain an organism. DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes and is located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.