BIO 140: Different Types of Cells

Vocabulary flashcards defining the structures, organelles, and functions of prokaryotic, animal, and plant cells based on BIO 140 lecture slides.

Prokaryotic Cell

A type of cell lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, characterized by DNA in a nucleoid, ribosomes, a cell membrane, and a peptidoglycan cell wall (e.g., bacteria).

Nucleoid

The central region within a prokaryotic cell where the circular chromosomal DNA is located without a surrounding membrane.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that makes up the prokaryotic cell wall, providing cellular protection, structural shape, and hydration.

Eukaryotic Cell

A type of cell characterized by having a membrane-bound nucleus containing DNA, membrane-bound organelles, and linear chromosomes.

Plasma Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer embedded with proteins, glycoproteins, and glycolipids that encloses the cell and controls the passage of molecules.

Glycoprotein

A plasma membrane component consisting of a protein with a carbohydrate attached.

Glycolipid

A plasma membrane component consisting of a lipid with a carbohydrate attached.

Microvilli

Plasma membrane folds lining cells in the small intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Celiac Disease

A disorder that damages the intestinal microvilli, impairing the cell's ability to absorb nutrients.

Cytoplasm

The cellular contents between the plasma membrane and nucleus, comprising organelles suspended in gel-like cytosol, the cytoskeleton, ions, and molecules, where protein synthesis occurs.

Cytosol

The gel-like fluid portion of the cytoplasm in which organelles, cytoskeletal filaments, ions, and molecules are suspended.

Nucleus

The eukaryotic organelle containing chromatin, chromosomes, and the nucleolus, enclosed by a double-membrane nuclear envelope.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane enclosing the nucleus containing protein-lined pores that regulate the transport of materials in and out.

Nucleolus

The condensed region inside the nucleus responsible for the assembly and formation of ribosomes.

Chromatin

The relaxed, unwound complex of nuclear DNA combined with associated proteins such as histones.

Histone

A specialized protein that associates with DNA to facilitate structural organization and chromatin packaging.

Ribosome

A non-membrane-bound cellular structure composed of large and small subunits made of protein and RNA that executes protein synthesis.

Mitochondria

Double-membraned organelles that carry out cellular respiration and synthesize ATP to provide energy for the cell.

Cristae

The infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane that extend into the mitochondrial matrix.

Mitochondrial Matrix

The fluid-filled internal space enclosed by the inner membrane of a mitochondrion.

Peroxisome

An organelle that houses oxidative metabolism and enzymes that carry out detoxification and the breakdown (oxidation) of fatty acids and amino acids.

Centrosome

A microtubule-organizing center containing a pair of centrioles composed of microtubule triplets, which aids in cell division.

Lysosome

An animal cell organelle filled with hydrolytic enzymes that breaks down cellular waste, cell debris, foreign particles, and digests food.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes that specializes in making secretory and membrane proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes and functions primarily in lipid synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle composed of flattened membranous sacs that modifies proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Vesicles and Vacuoles

Membrane-bound sacs that function in molecular storage, intracellular transport, waste disposal, and water content regulation.

Chloroplast

A plant cell organelle that contains its own DNA and ribosomes and carries out photosynthesis by converting light energy into chemical energy.

Central Vacuole

A large plant organelle filled with cell sap that stores water, nutrients, and waste, while maintaining turgor pressure against the cell wall to support cell shape.

Plant Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer surrounding plant cells that provides structural support, shape maintenance, and protection.

Plasmodesmata

Microscopic membrane-lined channels traversing plant cell walls that connect adjacent plant cells.

Plastid

A group of plant cell organelles specialized for storing pigments and other chemical compounds.