Cell Biology for Technology

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts from cell biology.

Nucleus

The membrane-enclosed structure within eukaryotic cells that contains genetic material (DNA).

Prokaryotic Cell

A unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cell

Any cell that contains a clearly defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Cell Theory

The theory that all living things are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life, and that cells arise from existing cells.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis and contain the pigment chlorophyll.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing energy through cellular respiration.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance within the cell membrane that contains organelles and is the site of many cellular processes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle consisting of a network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis, with rough ER having ribosomes on its surface.

Ribosome

Molecular machines in the cell that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

Lysosome

Membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials within the cell.

Vacuole

A large sac-like organelle in plant cells that stores water and maintains turgor pressure.

Fluid Mosaic Model

The model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of various components, including phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer found in plant cells, composed of cellulose, that provides structural support.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains coding for a protein or functional RNA.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins that contain genes.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers that provide support, shape, and organization to the cell.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The theory that some organelles in eukaryotic cells, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living prokaryotes.