AB 1102 Cell Biology Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of cells, the history of cell theory, types of cells (prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic), and the functions of various organelles based on the lecture notes.

Cell

The smallest unit that is capable of performing life functions.

Cell Count in Humans

The average human being is composed of around $100\text{ Trillion}$ individual cells.

Metre Unit Conversions

$$1,m = 100,cm = 1,000,mm = 1,000,000,μm = 1,000,000,000,nm$$

Millimetre Unit Conversions

$$1,mm = 1000,μm = 1000000,nm$$

Micrometre Unit Conversions

$$1,μm = 1000,nm$$

Robert Hooke

In 1665, this English Scientist discovered cells while looking at a thin slice of cork, describing them as tiny boxes or a honeycomb.

Anton van Leuwenhoek

In 1673, he was the first to observe living cells in microorganisms and observed blood cells from fish, birds, frogs, dogs, and humans.

Animalcules

The name given by Anton van Leuwenhoek to single-celled living microorganisms observed through his handmade microscope.

Matthias Schleiden

A German Botanist who, in 1838, concluded that all plant parts are made of cells.

Theodor Schwann

A German physiologist who, in 1839, stated that all animal tissues are composed of cells.

Rudolf Virchow

A German physician who, in 1858, concluded that cells must arise from preexisting cells.

The Cell Theory

1. All living things are composed of one or more cells. 2. Cells are organisms’ basic units of structure and function. 3. Cells come only from existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cell

A cell whose genetic material is not surrounded by membranes, has few or no internal structures (organelles), and is always a one-celled organism like Bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell whose genetic material is enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus and contains organelles surrounded by membranes; found in most living organisms.

Examples of Prokaryotes

Archaebacteria and Eubacteria.

Examples of Eukaryotes

Protists (Paramecium, Algae), Fungus (Mushroom), Plants, and Animals (Human, Kitten).

Cell Membrane

The outer double layer of a cell that allows nutrients into the cell and waste products outside.

Cell Wall

A structure most commonly found in plant cells and bacteria that supports and protects the cells.

Nucleus

The structure that directs cell activities, contains genetic material (DNA), and is separated from the cytoplasm by the nuclear membrane.

Nuclear Membrane

A two-layered structure surrounding the nucleus with openings that allow materials to enter and leave.

Chromosomes

Structures made of DNA found in the nucleus that contain instructions for traits and characteristics.

Nucleolus

A structure inside the nucleus that contains RNA to build proteins.

Cytoplasm

A gel-like mixture surrounded by the cell membrane that holds organelles and contains hereditary material.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

The transportation system of the cell that moves materials; exists as the 'Smooth' type (no ribosomes) or 'Rough' type (ribosomes embedded in surface).

Ribosomes

Thousands are found in each cell; they make proteins and are located on the Endoplasmic Reticulum or floating in the cell.

Mitochondria

Produces energy (ATP) through chemical reactions, controls levels of water/materials, and recycles/decomposes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Golgi Bodies

The protein 'packaging plant' that moves materials within and out of the cell.

Lysosome

A digestive 'plant' for proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that transports undigested material to the cell membrane for removal.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound sacs for storage, digestion, and waste removal; they are the largest organelle in plant cells and help them maintain shape.

Chloroplast

An organelle usually found in plant cells that contains chlorophyll and is the site where photosynthesis takes place.

Major Features of Plant Cells

Has a cell wall, a large central vacuole to store water, and chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

Major Features of Animal Cells

Has no cell wall, no chloroplasts, and contains many small food vacuoles rather than a large central vacuole.