Biology Lecture Notes: Fundamentals of Cytology and Transport

Vocabulary flashcards covering the history of cytology, cell types and diversity, and methods of membrane transport.

Cytology

Also known as cell biology, it is the study of cell structure and function.

Cell

The structural and functional unit of life.

Robert Hooke (1665)

Observed cork and coined the term "cell," which is Latin for "little room."

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Observed living animalcules in water using a simple microscope.

Schleiden and Schwan (1839)

The scientists who proposed the original cell theory.

Rudolf Virchow (1855)

Added the principle that all cells arise from pre-existing cells, known as "Omnis cellula e cellula."

Modern Cell Theory

The theory stating that all living things are made up of one or more cells and that metabolic reactions occur inside the cells.

Viruses

The main exception to the cell theory because they lack a cellular structure.

Unicellular Organisms

Single-celled organisms, examples of which include yeast, Amoeba, and Bacteria.

Multicellular Organisms

Organisms composed of many specialized cells, such as Plants and Humans.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum

The smallest known cell, measuring at $0.3\,\mu\text{m}$.

Nerve cells (Human)

The longest cells in humans, measuring approximately $1\,\text{metre}$.

Division of Labour

A characteristic in multicellular organisms where different cells perform specialized functions, like muscle cells for movement and nerve cells for messages.

Diffusion

The spontaneous process where substances like $CO_2$ and $O_2$ move randomly from a region of HIGH CONCENTRATION TO LOWER CONCENTRATION without requiring energy.

Osmosis

The movement of WATER FROM ITS HIGHER CONCENTRATION TO ITS LOWER CONCENTRATION THROUGH A SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANE.

Exosmosis

A process where water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink or become flaccid.

Endosmosis

A process where water enters the cell, causing it to swell or become turgid.

Active Transport

A type of mediated transport where molecules move across the membrane with the help of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), used to maintain ions like sodium and pottasium.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The energy molecule used to help transport molecules across the membrane during active transport.

Endocytosis

A process where the cell takes in substances by folding its membrane inward.