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Cell structures and functions
Cell Theory
All living things are composed of one or more cells; a cell is the basic unit of life; all cells come from preexisting cells.
Prokaryotic Cells
Cells without a nucleus; includes Archaea and Bacteria.
Eukaryotic Cells
Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including fungi, protists, plants, and animals.
Plasma Membrane
A semi-permeable membrane that allows the passage of oxygen, nutrients, and waste in/out of the cell.
Endomembrane System
A system that includes the synthesis and transport of proteins, lipid movement, and detoxification processes.
Nuclear Envelope
A double layer of membranes with pores that allows movement in and out of the nucleus.
Ribosomes
Cell structures that carry out protein synthesis, consisting of rRNA and proteins.
Smooth ER
Type of endoplasmic reticulum that synthesizes lipids and detoxifies drugs, not covered in ribosomes.
Rough ER
Type of endoplasmic reticulum covered in ribosomes, produces secretory proteins.
Golgi Apparatus
Organelles that modify, store, and ship proteins received from the ER.
Lysosomes
Organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste and cellular debris.
Vesicles
Tiny sacs made of lipid bilayer that transport materials within or out of the cell.
Mitochondria
Organelles that serve as the site of cellular respiration, generating ATP from fats and sugars.
Chloroplasts
Organelles in plants that conduct photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll and thylakoids.
Cell Wall
A rigid structure made of cellulose that protects plant cells and helps maintain shape.
Passive Transport
Movement of substances across a membrane without the use of energy, following the concentration gradient.
Active Transport
The pumping of solutes across a membrane against the concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).
Osmosis
The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher.
Tonicity
The ability of a solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water, related to solute concentration.
Isotonic Solution
A solution with equal solute concentration, resulting in no net movement of water.
Hypertonic Solution
A solution with a higher solute concentration, causing a cell to lose water and shrink.
Hypotonic Solution
A solution with a lower solute concentration, causing a cell to gain water and potentially swell.
Osmoregulation
The ability of organisms to maintain water balance and control solute concentration.
Fluid Mosaic Model
A depiction of the plasma membrane as a mosaic of diverse protein molecules suspended in a fluid phospholipid bilayer.
Simple Diffusion
The movement of molecules from high to low concentration without the use of energy.
Facilitated Diffusion
Transport of substances across a membrane via proteins, following the concentration gradient.
Cytoskeleton
A network of fibers that helps maintain cell shape, enables movement, and organizes cell contents.
Endosymbiont Theory
The theory that eukaryotic cells originated through the engulfing of prokaryotic cells, leading to a mutualistic relationship.
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