Microscope, Cellular Organelles and Mitosis (Sections 2.1 & 2.3)

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell organelles, their structures, and stages/components of the cell cycle and mitosis.

Plasma membrane

The lipid bilayer that isolates the cell, protects it, senses its environment, supports the cell, and regulates entrance/exit of materials.

Cytosol

Fluid component of the cytoplasm; may contain inclusions; where diffusion distributes materials.

Microvilli

Membrane extensions with actin filaments that increase surface area for absorption.

Centriole

One of a pair of cylindrical structures made of microtubule triplets, perpendicular to its partner.

Nucleus

Organelle that stores genetic information and directs cellular activities.

Nucleolus

Dense region within the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized and ribosomal subunits begin to form.

Ribosome

RNA+protein particles that synthesize proteins; can be free in cytoplasm or bound to rough ER.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

ER with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins destined for secretion or membranes.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

ER lacking ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and carbohydrates and detoxifies substances.

Golgi apparatus

Stacks of flattened membranes that modify, package, and sort proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

Lysosome

Vesicles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste and damaged organelles.

Peroxisome

Vesicles with enzymes that break down fatty acids and neutralize toxins.

Mitochondrion

Double-membrane organelle that produces most of the cell’s ATP (powerhouse).

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments that gives the cell its shape, support, and ability to move.

Interphase

The longest stage of the cell cycle, where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division. It consists of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Prophase

Chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle fibers begin to form from the centrosomes.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate (equatorial plane) of the cell, with each chromatid attached to a spindle fiber from opposite poles.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the shortening spindle fibers, becoming individual chromosomes.

Telophase

Chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense. New nuclear envelopes form around the two sets of chromosomes, and the spindle fibers disappear.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of cell division during which the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells, each with a complete set of chromosomes and organelles.