Cell Structure and Function

cell membrane

A protective structure that surrounds the cell, gives the cell its shape, keeps the contents of the cell from spilling out, acts as a barrier between cell and its outside environment, and regulates what enters and leaves the cell

Made of phospholipids in a fluid-mosaic structure; also known as the plasma membrane

organelle

"small organs"; structures that carry out the functions of the cell

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic material of the cell that acts as the instructions for the cell

nucleus

A large organelle found within all Eukaryotic cells that protects the DNA of the cell

nucleolus

The portion of the nucleus where cells begin to make ribosomes

cytoplasm

A gel-like fluid structure found within all cells that contains organelles

Takes up the space between the nucleus and the cell membrane

mitochondria

the "power houses" of the cell; organelles that break down sugars to produce energy for the cell in the form of ATP

Golgi body/apparatus/complex

Organelle that finalizes, packages, and distributes fats/lipids and proteins (products made from the ER) throughout the cell

lysosome

Organelles that contain enzymes (special proteins)

that break down and recycle worn-out or damaged cell parts/organelles; also assist with digestion of food particles

vesicle

small membrane-bound sacs that surround materials to be moved into, out of, or around the cell; can pinch off from the cell membrane or the membranes of the Golgi

cytosol

The fluid portion of cytoplasm that does not contain organelles

endoplasmic reticulum

2 types: smooth and rough

Smooth ER: produces lipids, fats, oils, and other materials that help break down harmful substances inside the cell

Rough ER: contains ribosomes on its membrane that produce proteins

ribosome

structures that produces proteins; NOT ORGANELLES

cell wall

A stiff structure that supports the cell and surrounds the cell membrane

vacuole

organelle responsible for storage of nutrients and water; in plants cells there is a large central vacuole for additional storage of excess water

prokaryote

pro: before and karyote: nucleus

The first simple cells formed billions of years ago from complex chemical molecules that do not contain a nucleus or any other membrane bound organelles. The bacteria and archaea

eukaryote

eu: true and karyote: nucleus

The more complex cells that evolved later and contain a nucleus as well as other membrane bound organelles. The plants and animals

cell

the smallest unit of structure and function in all living things that can perform all of the functions necessary for life

Chloroplast

organelle found in plant cells and some other organisms that captures the energy from sunlight and converts it into chemical energy during a process called photosynthesis

Chlorophyll

Green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants (and some other organisms) that absorbs light energy and uses it to carry out photosynthesis

cell theory

idea that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic units of structure and function in living things, and new cells are produced from previously existing cells