Biology

Cell Membrane

Protective barrier that regulates what enters and exits the cell; made of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like fluid that fills the cell and holds organelles; site for metabolic processes.

Nucleus

Control center containing genetic material (DNA); surrounded by the nuclear envelope.

Nuclear Membrane/Envelope

Double membrane that encloses the nucleus, regulating the movement of substances in and out.

Nucleolus

Found within the nucleus; responsible for ribosome production.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles for nutrients, waste products, or other materials; larger in plant cells.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; produces ATP through cellular respiration.

Golgi Body/Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Lysosomes

Contains digestive enzymes to break down waste materials.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth & Rough)

SmoothER synthesizes lipids; RoughER has ribosomes on its surface for protein synthesis.

Centrioles

Involved in cell division; help organize microtubules.

Ribosomes

Sites of protein synthesis; found in cytoplasm or attached to RoughER.

Chromatin

Complex of DNA and protein; condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Cell Wall

Rigid outer layer in plant cells, providing structure and support; made of cellulose.

Chloroplasts

Site of photosynthesis in plant cells; contains chlorophyll.

What are the main differences between plant and animal cells?

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and large vacuoles; animal cells do not; animal cells have centrioles and smaller vacuoles.

Diffusion

Movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What are the components of the Cell Cycle?

Interphase, Mitosis, Cytokinesis.

Interphase

Cell spends 90% of its life here in preparation for mitosis here it collects the nutrients it needs

Mitosis

Process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

What are the stages of Mitosis?

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm after mitosis.

What is a mutation?

A change in DNA sequence; can lead to cancer if it affects cell regulation.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division; causes include genetic factors, environmental exposure.

Metastasis

Spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.

Malignant

Cancerous tumors that invade nearby tissues.

Benign

Non-cancerous tumors that do not spread.

Biopsy

Removal of tissue for diagnostic examination.

What is the function of epithelial tissue?

Covers surfaces and lines cavities; protects, absorbs, secretes.

What is the role of connective tissue?

Supports and binds other tissues; stores energy.

What is the primary function of muscle tissue?

Responsible for movement.

What does nervous tissue do?

Transmits impulses and processes information.

Describe the pathway of blood circulation.

Blood moves through the heart (right atrium, right ventricle, lungs, left atrium, left ventricle, aorta) to deliver oxygen and nutrients.

What are the components of blood?

Red blood cells (carry oxygen), white blood cells (immune response), platelets (clotting), plasma (liquid component).

How do the circulatory and respiratory systems interact?

Blood transports oxygen from lungs to cells and carbon dioxide from cells to lungs for exhalation.

What is the respiratory system pathway?

Air travels from the nose/mouth, down the trachea, into the bronchi, and into the lungs.

What occurs during inhalation?

Diaphragm contracts, creating negative pressure; air flows in.

What happens during exhalation?

Diaphragm relaxes, pressure increases; air is expelled.

Describe the digestive system pathway.

Food travels from the mouth, down the esophagus, into the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and out the rectum.

What is the function of the epiglottis?

Prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing; crucial for protecting the airways.