Cell Physiology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular organelles, structures, and their functions based on the review questions.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of life, composed of fundamental parts including the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and various organelles.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable membrane surrounding the cell that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell and protects internal structures.

Membranous Organelles

Cellular organelles enclosed by a lipid membrane, including the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and peroxisomes.

Non-membranous Organelles

Cellular structures lacking a surrounding lipid membrane, such as the cytoskeleton, ribosomes, and centrosomes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of membranous tubules and sacs classified into Rough ER (studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis) and Smooth ER (functions in lipid synthesis and detoxification).

Mitochondria

Double-membraned organelles that carry out cellular respiration to produce energy in the form of ATP.

Power House of the Cell

A designation given to mitochondria because they generate ATP, which supplies the chemical energy required for cellular processes.

Golgi Apparatus

A membranous organelle consisting of flattened sacs that modifies, packages, sorts, and routes proteins and lipids for transport.

Digestive Apparatus of the Cell

A term referring to the lysosome because it contains hydrolytic enzymes that break down worn-out organelle parts, foreign materials, and cellular waste.

Lysosome

A membrane-bound organelle originating from the Golgi apparatus that contains digestive hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular degradation.

Peroxisome

A membrane-bound organelle originating from the endoplasmic reticulum that contains oxidative enzymes to metabolize lipids and convert toxic hydrogen peroxide into water.

Cytoskeleton

A network of non-membranous protein fibers and filaments that provides structural integrity, maintains cell shape, and aids in cell motility and internal transport.

Nucleus

A double-membrane-bound organelle containing genetic material (DNA) that serves as the control center for cellular metabolism and gene expression.