Cell Structures and Functions Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards detailing cellular structures, organelles, cytoskeleton components, intercellular junctions, and their specific functions.

Chloroplast

Sites of photosynthesis that convert solar energy to chemical energy by absorbing sunlight.

Peroxisomes

Organelles containing enzymes that transfer hydrogen atoms from certain molecules to $O_2$, producing $H_2O_2$.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal structures that shape and support the cell, organize cell structures, and serve as tracks for organelles equipped with motor proteins to move.

Microfilaments

Cytoskeletal components that form structural networks when certain proteins bind along the side of the filament, allowing new filaments to extend as a branch.

Intermediate filaments

Sturdy cytoskeletal elements that bear tension, play an important role in reinforcing the shape of a cell, and fix the position of certain organelles.

Cell Wall

Structure that protects the plant cell, maintains its shape, and prevents excessive uptake of water.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

Structure that provides support, protection, cell adhesion, and stores and releases chemical signals to tell cells when to grow.

Plasmodesmata

Channels that let water and solutes pass between plant cells.

Tight Junctions

Junctions that create a waterproof seal to stop fluid from leaking between cells.

Desmosomes

Junctions that act like rivets to hold cells together under high stress.

Nuclear Envelope

Structure that encloses the nucleus, separating its content from the cytoplasm.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that makes up chromosomes, which carry genetic information.

Nucleolus

Nuclear region where proteins imported from the cytoplasm are assembled with rRNA into large and small subunits of ribosomes.

Ribosomes

Cellular compounds that carry out protein synthesis.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum whose enzymes are important in the synthesis of lipids (including oils), metabolism of carbohydrates, detoxification of drugs and steroids, and synthesis of new membrane phospholipids.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum involved in protein synthesis, polypeptide (protein) folding, and protein transport in vesicles to the Golgi apparatus.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle where proteins are modified, stored, and sent to other destinations.

Lysosomes

Organelles that digest (hydrolyze) macromolecules.

Food Vacuoles

Vacuoles formed by phagocytosis that hold and break down food particles and absorb nutrients.

Contractile Vacuole

Vacuole that pumps excess water out of the cell, maintaining a suitable concentration of ions and molecules inside the cell.

Central Vacuole

Plant vacuole containing cell sap, serving as the main repository of inorganic ions including potassium and chlorine.

Endomembrane System

The overall system governing the flow of membrane lipids and proteins through various organelles.