Cell Structure and Microscopy Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell organelles, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structures, protein secretion, the cytoskeleton, and microscopy terms based on the Henley College Biology transition material.

Pilus

A hair-like feature found on prokaryotic cells used for bacterial conjugation.

Peptidoglycan

The polysaccharide that forms the cell wall of prokaryotic cells (bacteria).

Golgi apparatus

An organelle composed of fluid-filled flattened sacs (cisternae) and vesicles that processes and packages new lipids and proteins, and makes lysosomes.

Cisternae

A group of fluid-filled flattened sacs that make up the structure of the Golgi apparatus.

Cristae

Folded extensions on the inner membrane of a mitochondrion that provide a large surface area for enzyme reactions.

Matrix

The semi-rigid material inside mitochondria containing enzymes involved in respiration.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)

A system of membranes enclosing a fluid-filled space with a large surface area, responsible for the synthesis, storage, and transport of lipids and carbohydrates.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

A system of membranes covered in ribosomes that synthesises proteins and glycoproteins and provides a transport pathway throughout the cell.

Lysosome

A double-membrane organelle containing hydrolytic enzymes (such as protease and lipase) used to break down ingested material, worn-out organelles, or dead cells.

Nucleolus

A structure inside the nucleus that manufactures ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosomes.

Centrioles

Small hollow cylinders made of microtubules that are involved in the separation of chromosomes during cell division.

Microfilaments

Contractile fibres made of the protein actin that are responsible for cell contraction and cytokinesis.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal components made of globular tubulin proteins that act as tracks for moving vesicles and organelles, and form spindle fibres during cell division.

Intermediate fibres

Cytoskeletal components made of protein that give mechanical strength to cells.

Exocytosis

The process where vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release contents out of the cell.

Endocytosis

The process by which substances enter the cell.

Magnification

How much bigger an image appears compared to the actual size of the specimen.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish two close points as separate structures to see a finer level of detail.

Artefact

A visible object or distorted cell structure present in a micrograph due to the sample preparation process.

Transmission electron microscope (TEM)

A microscope that passes a focused beam of electrons through sections of tissue, offering a maximum resolution of $0.0002\,\mu\text{m}$ and magnification up to $\times 500000$.

Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

A microscope that scans a beam of electrons across the surface of a specimen to collect reflected electrons, producing a 3D image.

Laser scanning confocal microscope

A microscope that uses a focused laser beam to illuminate fluorescently labeled components within a specimen, focusing emitted light through a pinhole aperture for sharp resolution.