Lab #3: Intro Eukaryotes

filamentous

Describing an organism made up of thread-like chains of cells connected end-to-end.

cellulose

A tough, fibrous carbohydrate that forms the cell wall in plants and some algae.

nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle that houses the cell's genetic material (DNA).

starch

A carbohydrate used by plants and some algae as a stored form of energy.

pyrenoid

A structure within the chloroplast of algae involved in the synthesis and storage of starch.

pseudopodia (from Amoeba)

Temporary, foot-like extensions of the cell membrane and cytoplasm used for movement and feeding.

food vacuole

A membrane-bound sac within a cell that digests engulfed food particles.

contractile vacuole

An organelle that collects and expels excess water from the cell to maintain water balance.

osmoregulatory organelle

A structure, such as a contractile vacuole, that helps regulate water and solute balance within a cell.

plasma membrane

The selectively permeable membrane that encloses the cell and controls the movement of substances in and out.

cytoplasmic streaming

The flowing movement of cytoplasm within a cell that helps distribute nutrients and organelles.

symbiosis

A close, long-term interaction between two different organisms, which may benefit one or both.

heterocyst

A specialized cell in some filamentous cyanobacteria that carries out nitrogen fixation.

nitrogen fixation

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen gas into a usable form, such as ammonia.