Cells, Organelles, and Viruses Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from the Cells, Organelles, Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes, Endosymbiotic Theory, and Viruses review notes.

Cell membrane

Organelle responsible for transporting ions and molecules into and out of the cell.

Chloroplast

Organelle present in plant cells that synthesizes glucose and stores starch.

Cilia

Hair-like cell structures present in animal cells responsible for movement and transporting extracellular fluid.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (smooth)

Organelle that transports lipids, synthesizes lipids, and stores calcium.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (rough)

Organelle responsible for transporting proteins and synthesizing proteins.

Golgi apparatus

Organelle that transports proteins and lipids, synthesizes carbohydrates, and stores proteins and lipids.

Mitochondria

Organelle present in plant and animal cells that synthesizes ATP.

Nucleus

Control center of the cell present in plant and animal cells that transports mRNA, synthesizes DNA/RNA, and stores DNA.

Nucleolus

Structure located inside the nucleus responsible for synthesizing rRNA.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures present in plant, animal, and bacteria cells that synthesize proteins.

Vacuole

Organelle that functions in transporting and storing water and nutrients.

Cell wall

Structure found in plant and bacteria cells that provides support and protection.

Cytoplasm

Cellular fluid that suspends organelles and serves as a metabolic site.

Flagella

Cellular organelle structure used for locomotion.

Lysosome

Organelle responsible for the digestion of waste.

Central vacuole

Large storage organelle found specifically in plant cells.

Pili

Surface structures present on bacteria cells.

Cell membrane with protein channel

Cellular structure consisting of a phospholipid bilayer embedded with protein channels that facilitate transport.

Universal cell components

The four features shared by all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, and ribosomes.

Prokaryotes

Cells, such as bacteria, that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Cells that contain both a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Endosymbiotic Theory

Theory stating that key organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as independent bacteria that were swallowed by a larger cell billions of years ago.

Evidence for Endosymbiotic Theory

Key observations supporting endosymbiosis: presence of circular DNA, presence of $70\text{s}$ ribosomes, reproduction via binary fission, and a double membrane structure.

Viral infection process

Process in which viruses invade host cells, replicate, damage or destroy cells, and cause disease symptoms.

Viral surface proteins

Structures on a virus that allow it to infect a host cell and cause disease.

Viral vs cellular genetic material

Distinction where viruses can contain DNA or RNA, whereas cells exclusively use double-stranded DNA.

Lytic cycle

Viral reproductive cycle resulting in host cell lysis and rapid onset of symptoms, such as the common cold.

Lysogenic cycle

Viral cycle involving integration of viral DNA into the host genome without immediate cell death, causing slow onset of symptoms and long asymptomatic periods (e.g., HIV).

Cell Theory

Scientific theory stating that 1) All living things are made of cells, 2) Cells are the basic units of life, and 3) All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Root word: Endo-

Biological prefix meaning 'within'.

Root word: Eu-

Biological prefix meaning 'true'.

Root word: Bio-

Biological prefix meaning 'life'.

Root word: Micro-

Biological prefix meaning 'small'.

Root word: Pro-

Biological prefix meaning 'before'.

Root word: Scope

Biological root meaning 'to look'.

Root word: Sym-

Biological prefix meaning 'together'.

Biological entity size hierarchy

Ranking from largest to smallest size: eukaryotic cell, prokaryotic cell, virus.