Cell Biology and Cell Theory Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell organelles, cell structures, the three parts of cell theory, and the historical timeline of cell theory development.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms, such as bacteria, that have no organelles, contain DNA floating in cytoplasm, and divide by binary fission.

Eukaryotes

Unicellular or multicellular organisms (animals, plants, fungi, protists) containing membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus, which multiply via mitosis.

Nucleus

Organelle that contains genetic material in the form of visible chromatin or condensed chromosomes.

Nucleolus

Structure located inside the nucleus that contains RNA.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Organelle that lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

Organelle that hugs the nucleus and has ribosomes attached; responsible for making proteins for the Golgi apparatus.

Ribosome

Small circular structures that make protein through translation.

Mitochondria

Oval-shaped organelle involved in converting carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins into adenosine triphosphate via cellular respiration.

Centrosome

Microtubule structure used to create mitotic spindles for mitosis.

Cilia

Cell surface structures that move fluid across the surface of the cell.

Flagella

A whip-like structure used for propulsion through fluid.

Lysosome

Organelle that secretes enzymes to break down old organelles and foreign substances.

Golgi Apparatus

The "packer" of the cell that receives transport vesicles from the rough ER and modifies them further.

Vesicle

"Mini-carts" that act as a means of transport for proteins.

Chloroplast

Organelle composed of grana and stroma that is used in plant cells for photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

Thread-like fibers that provide structural support to animal cells.

Vacuoles

Organelles used for storage; plant cells possess one large central vacuole.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance that keeps organelles held in place.

Cell Theory

A foundational biological theory composed of three parts: 1. All living things are made of cells; 2. Cells are the most basic unit of life; 3. All cells must come from other cells through cell division.

Universal Cell Components

Four features found in all cells: cytoplasm, DNA & RNA, cell membranes, and ribosomes.

Robert Hooke (1665)

Scientist who used a simple microscope to observe dead cork cells.

Anton Van Leeuwenhock (1674)

Scientist who made observations of bacteria and protozoa.

Matthias Schleiden (1838)

Scientist who made the first scientific statement about cells: "All plant tissue is made of cells, and cells are the building block."

Theodor Schwaan (1839)

Scientist who added to Schleiden's statement by establishing that "animals are also made of cells."

Rudolf Virchow (1855)

Scientist who proposed Step 3 of modern cell theory: that all cells originate from prior cells.

Walter Flenning (1878)

Scientist who discovered mitosis and cell division.