Chapter 1-8: Cell Organelles and DNA/RNA - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key organelles and DNA/RNA concepts from the lecture notes.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Membranous organelle that lacks ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and participates in detoxification.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Membranous network with ribosomes on its surface; site of protein synthesis destined for secretion or membranes; connected to the nucleus.

Nucleus

Cellular control center containing genetic material; site of transcription; RNA exits through nuclear pores.

Nuclear pores

Channels in the nuclear envelope that allow RNA and other molecules to pass between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Centriole

Cylindrical structures made of microtubules; organize spindle fibers during cell division.

Golgi apparatus

Stacked membrane-bound organelle that receives, modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport to final destinations.

Lysosome

Organelle containing enzymes that digest waste, worn-out organelles; recycling for building blocks.

Mitochondrion

Double-membraned organelle with inner membrane folds (cristae) that increase surface area for ATP production via cellular respiration.

Cristae

Folded inner mitochondrial membrane increasing surface area for ATP synthesis.

Cytoplasm

Ceytosol and organelles inside the cell, excluding the nucleus; site of many metabolic processes.

Plasma membrane

Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that controls entry and exit of ions, nutrients, and wastes.

Ribosome

Small particles that synthesize proteins; may be free in cytoplasm or attached to rough ER.

Nucleotide

Basic unit of nucleic acids consisting of a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar (pentose), and a nitrogenous base.

Phosphate group

Part of the nucleotide backbone; participates in forming high-energy bonds and linking nucleotides.

Pentose sugar

Five-carbon sugar (deoxyribose in DNA; ribose in RNA) that forms the backbone of nucleic acids.

Nitrogenous base

Organic base in nucleotides; examples include adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil (RNA only).

Adenine

Purine base that pairs with thymine in DNA and with uracil in RNA.

Thymine

Pyrimidine base that pairs with adenine in DNA; replaced by uracil in RNA.

Cytosine

Pyrimidine base that pairs with guanine in both DNA and RNA.

Guanine

Purine base that pairs with cytosine in both DNA and RNA.

Uracil

Pyrimidine base that replaces thymine in RNA; pairs with adenine.

DNA

Double-stranded molecule with a deoxyribose sugar and thymine; base pairing A–T and C–G.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; usually single-stranded; contains ribose sugar and uracil; base pairing A–U and C–G.

Base pairing rules

In DNA, A pairs with T and C with G; in RNA, A pairs with U and C with G.