Cell Organelles and Transport Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key organelles and transport mechanisms relevant to cell biology.

nucleus

Controls the cell; holds DNA.

mitochondria

Produces energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

chloroplasts

Performs photosynthesis to make glucose (plant cells only).

ribosomes

Make proteins.

endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Transports materials; rough ER makes proteins, smooth ER makes lipids.

lysosomes

Break down waste and old cell parts.

vacuoles

Store water, nutrients, and waste.

cell wall

Provides structure and support (found in plants and bacteria).

cell membrane

Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

centrioles

Help with cell division (animal cells only).

phospholipids

A key component that makes up the cell membrane.

diffusion

Type of passive transport where molecules move from high to low concentration.

osmosis

The diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane.

facilitated diffusion

Passive transport of molecules across a membrane via a protein channel.

active transport

The movement of molecules against the concentration gradient using energy.

endocytosis

Process by which cells engulf materials from outside the cell.

exocytosis

Process by which cells expel materials to the outside.

hypotonic

Solution with a lower concentration of solutes; water enters the cell.

hypertonic

Solution with a higher concentration of solutes; water exits the cell.