Cell Biology Overview

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary from the lecture notes on cell biology.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.

Homeostasis

The process by which a cell or organism maintains a stable internal environment.

Zygote

A fertilized egg that is the first cell of a new organism.

Compound Microscope

An optical microscope using two or more lenses to magnify objects.

Robert Hooke

An English naturalist who coined the term 'cell' after viewing cork slices.

Antony van Leeuwenhoek

Known for discovering bacteria and microscopic organisms.

Cell fractionation

A technique to separate cellular components while preserving individual functions.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

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

Surface-to-volume ratio

A measure of how much surface area an object has relative to its volume.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes for breaking down waste.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, sites of cellular respiration.

Endosymbiotic theory

The theory that explains the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells.

Cytoskeleton

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

Microvilli

Microscopic cellular membrane protrusions that increase surface area for absorption.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A network of proteins and carbohydrates secreted by cells that provides structural and biochemical support.

Plasmodesmata

Channels between plant cells that allow for transport and communication.