Cell Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell structure and function, including definitions of important cell types and organelles.

Red Blood Cell

A type of blood cell responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Guard Cells

Specialized cells that control the opening and closing of leaf pores (stomata) for gas exchange.

Cell Diversity

All living organisms are composed of cells, which arise from existing cells, and different cells have different structures and functions.

Prokaryotes

Simple, single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, can be unicellular or multicellular.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membrane-covered tubules where proteins and lipids are synthesized; rough ER has ribosomes, smooth ER does not.

Golgi Apparatus

A series of flattened membranous sacs that sort, package, and transport proteins and lipids within the cell.

Lysosomes

Cellular organelles known as 'garbage disposals' that contain digestive enzymes for breakdown and recycling of cellular waste.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plants and algae where photosynthesis occurs, containing the pigment chlorophyll.

Mitochondria

The powerhouses of the cell that produce ATP through cellular respiration.

Cell Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that regulates the passage of ions and substances into and out of the cell.

Cell Wall

An external rigid covering that provides structural support and protection to the cell, found in plant, fungal, and protist cells.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles in cells that hold water, nutrients, and waste; larger in plant cells.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound structure that contains the cell's DNA and coordinates activities such as growth and reproduction.

Plasma Membrane

The membrane surrounding the cell, composed of a phospholipid bilayer and regulates the movement of substances.