Campbell Biology in Focus: A Tour of the Cell

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts outlined in the lecture on cell biology, focusing on the structure and function of cells, microscopy techniques, and the organelles involved in cellular processes.

Microscopy

The use of microscopes to observe cells that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

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 between two distinguishable points.

Contrast

The difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of the image.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

A type of electron microscope that focuses a beam of electrons onto the surface of a specimen, producing three-dimensional images.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

A type of electron microscope that focuses a beam of electrons through a specimen to study the internal structure of cells.

Cell Fractionation

A process that breaks up cells and separates the components using several rounds of centrifugation.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have internal membranes compartmentalizing their functions, containing structures such as a nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells characterized by the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically found in the domains Bacteria and Archaea.

Cytoplasm

The semifluid substance within a cell, bounded by the plasma membrane.

Plasma Membrane

A selective barrier that allows the passage of oxygen, nutrients, and waste to service the entire cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A biosynthetic factory in eukaryotic cells that accounts for a large portion of the total membrane, exists in rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (no ribosomes) forms.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Lysosomes

Membranous sac of hydrolytic enzymes that digest macromolecules.

Peroxisomes

Oxidative organelles that remove hydrogens from certain molecules, producing hydrogen peroxide which is then converted into water.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that organizes structures and activities in the cell.

Microtubules

Thick hollow rods that shape and support the cell, guiding the movement of organelles.

Intermediate Filaments

Fibers in the cytoskeleton that reinforce cell shape and fix organelles in place.

Cell Wall

An extracellular structure that protects plant cells, maintaining shape and preventing excessive water uptake.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

An elaborate structure covering animal cells made up of glycoproteins, providing support and facilitating communication.

Plasmodesmata

Channels that perforate plant cell walls for the transport of water, small solutes, and sometimes proteins and RNA between cells.