BIOL 2401L Lab Exercise 3: The Cell

A collection of key vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture notes on cell structure and the cell cycle.

Chromatin

Long, thin strands of uncondensed DNA; the arrangement of DNA in the nucleus during interphase.

Nucleolus

Structure inside the nucleus where ribosome subunits are made, contains mostly RNA.

Mitochondrion

An organelle that makes ATP for the cell, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell.

Golgi apparatus

Membrane sacs for protein modification, packaging, sorting, and shipping.

Plasma membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that forms the outer boundary of the cell, containing proteins and cholesterol.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Phospholipid membranes containing ribosomes, the main site of protein synthesis.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

An organelle that makes and metabolizes lipids, steroid hormones, and detoxifies drugs.

Cytoplasm

Material inside the cell, comprising cytosol, cytoskeleton, organelles, and inclusions.

Centrioles

Small cylinder-shaped organelles made of microtubules that aid in cell division and form the basis of cilia and flagella.

Cell cycle

The series of phases including G1, S, G2, and M, through which a cell goes to grow and divide.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division in which chromosomes are distributed to two daughter nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells after mitosis.

G1 phase

First sub-phase of interphase during which the cell grows and performs normal functions.

S phase

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA synthesis occurs, resulting in the duplication of chromosomes.

Anaphase

The phase of mitosis in which sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis during which the nuclear envelope re-forms and chromosomes decondense.

Microvilli

Pleated foldings of the plasma membrane that increase the surface area of the cell.