Ch. 6: Tour of Cells - Review

Nucleus

Controls cell activities and houses genetic material.

Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane that surrounds the nucleus.

Nucleolus

Produces ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosomes.

Ribosome

Sites of protein synthesis in the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Network of membranes that synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).

Vesicle

Membrane-bound compartment that transports materials within the cell.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

Lysosome

Contains digestive enzymes to break down waste materials.

Vacuole

Storage organelle; larger in plant cells, storing nutrients and waste products.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; site of ATP (energy) production.

Chloroplast

Organelle found in plant cells that conducts photosynthesis.

Peroxisome

Breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies harmful substances.

Cytoskeleton

Network of fibers that provide structural support and transport within the cell.

Magnification

The increase of an object's apparent size.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish two close objects as separate.

Prokaryotic Cell

A cell without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Free Ribosomes

Ribosomes that float freely in the cytoplasm, producing proteins for intracellular use.

Bound Ribosomes

Ribosomes attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, producing proteins for export or membrane.

Endomembrane System

A group of organelles involved in the synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids.

Microtubules

Thick, hollow tubes that provide structure and shape and are involved in cell division.

Microfilaments

Thin, thread-like fibers that support cell shape and facilitate movement.

Intermediate Filaments

Fibers that provide mechanical support and maintain the integrity of the cell.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures that move fluid across cell surfaces.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used for cell movement.

Plant Cell Wall

Rigid outer layer made of cellulose that provides structural support.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Network of proteins and carbohydrates outside the cell that provides support and regulates cell behavior.

Intercellular Junctions

Structures that connect cells together, including tight junctions, desmosomes, gap junctions, and adherens junctions.