General Biology 1 - Cell Biology and Energetics

Cell

The smallest basic unit of life that performs the processes necessary for an organism to live.

Cell Theory

A foundational biological concept stating that all living things are made of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living things, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Robert Hooke

Scientist who coined the term "cell" after observing cork.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Scientist who observed living microorganisms.

Matthias Schleiden

Scientist who concluded that plants are made of cells.

Theodor Schwann

Scientist who concluded that animals are made of cells.

Rudolf Virchow

Scientist who proposed that cells come from pre-existing cells.

Modern Cell Theory

Expansion of cell theory stating that cells contain hereditary information, have a basic chemical composition, and energy flow occurs within cells.

Cell membrane

Structure that controls what enters and leaves the cell, protects it, maintains the internal environment, and allows communication with surroundings.

Cell wall

Cellular structure that provides support and protection.

Nucleus

Organelle that contains DNA and controls cell activities.

Nucleolus

Organelle component that produces ribosomal components.

Cytoplasm

The site of many cellular reactions within the cell.

Ribosome

Organelle responsible for protein synthesis.

Mitochondria

Organelle that produces usable cellular energy.

Chloroplast

Organelle that performs photosynthesis.

Vacuole

Organelle used for the storage of water and other materials.

Lysosome

Organelle that breaks down waste and worn-out cell parts.

Golgi apparatus

Organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.

Endoplasmic reticulum

Organelle that transports and helps produce materials.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum that has ribosomes and is mainly involved in protein production and transport.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum that has no ribosomes and is involved in lipid production and other cellular processes.

Vesicle

Structure that transports or temporarily stores materials.

Centrosome

Structure that helps organize cell division.

Cilia and Flagella

Cellular structures that help with movement.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells with no membrane-bound nucleus, DNA located in a nucleoid region, usually smaller and simpler, such as bacteria.

Nucleoid region

The region in a prokaryotic cell where DNA is located.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus and many membrane-bound organelles, generally larger and more complex, such as plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Root hair cells

Specialized plant cells with long extensions that increase surface area and help absorb water and minerals.

Microvilli

Tiny projections on cell surfaces that increase surface area for absorption.

Cilia

Short hair-like structures that move substances across a cell surface.

Flagellum

A longer cellular structure used mainly for cell movement.

Cell cycle

The series of events through which a cell grows, copies its DNA, and divides.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle preceding M phase, comprising G1, S, and G2 stages.

G1 phase (Growth 1)

Stage of interphase where the cell grows, produces proteins and organelles, and performs normal functions.

S phase (Synthesis)

Stage of interphase where DNA is replicated and each chromosome is copied.

G2 phase (Growth 2)

Stage of interphase where the cell continues growing, prepares for division, and checks DNA replication.

Mitosis

Cell division process that produces two genetically similar daughter cells for growth, tissue repair, cell replacement, and asexual reproduction.

Prophase

First stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into chromosomes, spindle fibers form, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

Metaphase

Stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the middle or equator of the cell.

Anaphase

Stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.

Telophase

Stage of mitosis where