Cell Structure and Function Review

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to cell structure and function, focusing on organelles, cellular processes, and microscopy techniques.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane that surrounds the nucleus, regulating the passage of molecules in and out of the genetic control center.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of interconnected membranes within the cell.

Rough ER

Studded with ribosomes, involved in synthesizing and modifying proteins.

Glycocalyx

A polysaccharide layer on the outer surface of the plasma membrane, important for cell recognition and communication.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A gel of carbohydrates and fibrous proteins secreted by cells, providing structural support and signaling.

Integrin

Membrane proteins that transmit signals from the extracellular matrix into the cell.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that aid in cell movement, composed of microtubules.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids synthesized in the ER for delivery.

Lysosome

A membrane-bound organelle containing digestive enzymes to break down waste materials.

Cytoplasm

Everything outside the nucleus and within the plasma membrane, including fluid cytosol and organelles.

Nucleus

Contains most of the cell’s genes and is usually the most conspicuous organelle.

Nucleolus

Located within the nucleus, it is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis.

Magnification

The ratio of an object’s image size to its real size.

Resolution

The measure of the clarity of the image or the minimum distance of two distinguishable points.

Cell Fractionation

A process that takes cells apart and separates the major organelles from one another.

Ribosomes

Sites of protein synthesis composed of RNA and proteins, found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Vesicles

Small, membrane-bound sacs that transport materials between different organelles and the plasma membrane.

Contrast

Visible differences in parts of the sample

SEM

Look at the surface of a specimen, provide 3D image

TEM

Look through a specimen 2D

Basic features of a cell

Plasma membrane, semifluid substance called cytosol, chromosomes(carry genes), ribosomes(make proteins)

Nucleoplasm

Everything within the nuclear membrane

Nuclear Membrane

A double membrane; each membrane consists of a lipid bilayer

How are plant and animal cells similar?

Plant and animal cells have most of the same organelles

Ribosomes function

Ribosomes use the information from the DNA to make proteins

Pores function

Regulate the entry and exit of molecules from the nucleus

Vacuoles

Larger membrane-bound sacs for storage and other functions, sometimes included within the system.

Plasma Membrane

The outer boundary of the cell, which interacts with the other organelles in the endomembrane system and is involved in receiving and exporting materials. 

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids synthesized in the ER for delivery to their final destinations, either inside or outside the cell. 

Smooth ER

Lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid and steroid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage. 

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plants and some algae that capture light energy for photosynthesis. 

Microtubules

The thickest protein filaments of the cytoskeleton, involved in cell shape, transport, and cell division.

Parts in Endomembrane System

Plasma membrane, Vacuoles, Lysosomes, Golgi apparatus, Smooth and Rough ER, Nuclear envelope 

Nucleus

Storage of DNA

Peroxisomes

Produce hydrogen peroxide 

Microfilaments

Pseudopodia, cytoplasmic streaming, and muscle contraction 

Intermediate filaments

Prominent in cells that withstand mechanical stress 

Desmosomes 

Anchoring junctions, analogous to rivets 

Plasmodesmata

Allow passage of material through cell walls IN PLANTS ONLY

Gap Junctions

Communication junctions

Tight Junctions

Large sections of intercellular joining to prevent leakage 

Collagen

A fibrous protein that is the most abundant protein in the human body