Biology: Cell Structure and Transport

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering specialized cells in plants and animals, the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and the functions of various cell organelles.

Specialized cell

A cell that has adaptation to help carry out a function.

Root hair cells

Cells adapted to absorb water and mineral ions; they feature a long root hair for large surface area, a thin cell wall for short diffusion distance, and many mitochondria to provide energy for active transport.

Xylem

Tissue that transports water and mineral ions upwards; it consists of dead cells joined end to end to form a hollow tube with no end walls to allow free water flow.

Phloem

Tissue that transports dissolved sugars around the plant; it contains sieve plates to allow sap to move between cells and companion cells with many mitochondria to provide energy.

Sperm cell

A cell whose function is to fertilise the egg, featuring a long tail for swimming, many mitochondria to release energy for movement, and a head containing enzymes to break into the egg while carrying the father's genetic info.

Nerve cell

A cell that sends electrical signals across long distances in the body.

Muscles cell

A cell whose function is to contract and cause movement; it contains a lot of mitochondria for energy, protein fibres to contract, and can store glycogen for Respiration.

Red blood cell

A cell that transports oxygen using a biconcave shape for larger surface area for diffusion, no nucleus for more room for haemoglobin, and haemoglobin to bind to oxygen.

Eukaryotic cells

Larger, more complex plant or animal cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic cells

Smaller, simple cells that have no nucleus; the genetic material is in a loop in the cell, and they have no membrane-bound organelles.

Plasmid

A small ring of DNA found in prokaryotic cells.

Cytoplasm

The part of the cell where chemical reactions take place.

Nucleus

The part of the cell that controls the cell.

Cell membrane

The structure that controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Mitochondria

The site of aerobic Respiration.

Ribosomes

The site of protein synthesis.

Cell wall

The structure that strengthens the cell.

Chloroplasts

The place within the cell where Photosynthesis happens.

Permanent vacuole

A structure in a plant cell that contains cell sap.