Cells: The Structural and Functional Units of Life

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to cellular structure and function, including types of cells, organelles, and the cytoskeleton.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of every organism.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus, containing DNA in a nucleoid region.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Organelle

Membrane-bound structures within eukaryotic cells that perform specific functions.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranous sacs and tubes involved in synthesizing membranes and compartmentalizing the cell.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes for breaking down macromolecules.

Vacuole

Large vesicles that stem from the ER and Golgi, involved in storage and transport.

Endosymbiont Theory

The theory that explains the origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts as prokaryotic cells engulfed by a eukaryotic cell.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the site of cellular respiration, producing ATP.

Chloroplast

Organelles in photosynthetic organisms, site of photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers providing structural support and facilitating movement within a cell.

Microtubules

Hollow rod-like structures made of tubulin that help in cell shape, organelle movement, and chromosome separation.

Microfilaments

Thin solid rods made of actin that maintain cell shape and assist in muscle contraction.

Intermediate Filaments

Fibrous proteins that are permanent structural elements of cells, maintaining cell shape and anchoring organelles.