Cell Biology: Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells and Organelles

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on cells, organelles, and energy.

Ribosome

A cell organelle composed of two subunits that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA; present in all cells.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; genetic material that stores instructions to make proteins; in eukaryotes located in the nucleus.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that houses DNA and regulates gene expression.

Prokaryotic cell

A simple cell lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (includes Bacteria and Archaea).

Eukaryotic cell

A complex cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (includes plants, animals, fungi, protists).

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like interior of a cell, excluding the nucleus; contains cytosol and organelles.

Mitochondrion

Organelle where most ATP is produced via cellular respiration; contains its own DNA and ribosomes.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; main energy currency of the cell, produced mainly in mitochondria.

Chloroplast

Plant/algal organelle where photosynthesis occurs; converts light energy into chemical energy.

Cellular respiration

Metabolic process in mitochondria that breaks down sugars to produce ATP.

Bacteria and Archaea

The two domains of prokaryotes.

Eukarya

The domain that includes all eukaryotic organisms (plants, animals, fungi, protists).

Kingdoms within Eukarya

Major groups such as Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, and Protista.

Cell wall

Rigid outer layer outside the plasma membrane in plants, fungi, and many microorganisms; animals lack a cell wall.

Phospholipid

A lipid with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails; main component of cell membranes.

Plasma membrane

The phospholipid bilayer that encloses the cell and controls entry and exit of substances.

Nucleoid

Region in prokaryotic cells where DNA resides, not enclosed by a membrane.

Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

Two major cell types distinguished by nucleus presence and membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotes lack a true nucleus and organelles, while eukaryotes have them.

Carbon dioxide

Gas exhaled by humans and many animals; produced by cellular respiration.

Mitosis

A form of cell division in eukaryotes that produces two genetically identical daughter cells by separating duplicated DNA.