CAPE Bio (P1) - Cell Structure and Functions

cell

the most basic functional structural unit of any organism

organelle

structures within cells that carry out a specific function

prokaryote

a simple unicellular organism characterized by its lack of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

cytoplasm

a gelatinous fluid that fills the entire cell that serves as the site of the cell's metabolic processes whilst also protecting them from damage and maintaining the structure of the cell and its contents

capsule

protective outer layer that helps to prevents desiccation and detection from other organisms/cells

cell wall

a layer external to the cell that provides structural support and protection

cell membrane

phospholipid bilayers which serve as the boundary for the cells and its contents while also regulating exchange of substances with it surroundings

ribosome

small particles in the cell consisting of equal amounts of RNA and protein which serve as the site at which amino acids are assembled into proteins

storage granule

particles of reserved materials stockpiled in the cytosol

plasmid

small, circular DNA molecules distinct from the cell's chromosomal DNA that autonomously replicate and provide specific benefits to bacteria

flagellum

protrusions from the cytoplasm which assist with locomotion

nucleoid

region in the prokaryote that contains the majority of its chromosomal DNA, regulating the cell's activities

eukaryotic cell

complex cells characterized by the possession of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

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nucleus

double-membraned spherical region within the cell that houses the nucleolus and serves as the site which regulates DNA replication and protein production

nuclear envelope

double membrane system that surrounds the nucleus which contains nuclear pores which provide direct passageway between the nucleus and cytoplasm

nucleolus

a structure contained within the nucleus consisting of large amounts of DNA, RNA and protein molecules, serving as the site at which ribosome sub-units are assembled

rough endoplasmic reticulum

a system of flat secs of membrane which house ribosomes and transport proteins to the Golgi complex

smooth endoplasmic reticulum

system of flat sacs of membranes which make triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol

Golgi complex

a pile of flat sacs of membranes with vesicles forming around the edge which modify and package proteins and also produces secretory vesicles and lysosomes

mitochondria

double-membraned cells whose inner membrane serves as the site for oxidate phosphorylation and electron transport

cristae

the inner membrane of the mitochondria

centriole

a cylindrical organelle near the nucleus that assist in the organization of microtubules

centrosome

structure which holds a pair of centrioles

microtubule

small hollow unbranched cylinders made up of the protein tubulin which help to form a rigid internal cytoskeleton in cells

lysosomes

organelles which contain digestive enzymes which break down large molecules and denatured organelles into substances soluble in the cytoplasm

cilia

hair-like protrusions which are involved in movement and signal detection

plasmodesmata

microscopic channels which traverse the cell walls of plant cells, connecting their cytoplasm and enabling communication and transport between them once activated

permanent vacuole

a large, central organelle which store cell sap and waste, maintain turgor pressure and provide structural support for the plant cell

chloroplast

plastids found in green plant cells with multiple inner membranes which house and provide a large surface area for chlorophyll

chlorophyll

the pigment which detects, absorbs and converts light into energy

endosymbiont theory

that which states that organelles evolved from endosymbiotic prokaryotes

endosymbiont

an organism that lives within another dissimilar organism

microscope

laboratory tools used to image objects too small to be seen by the naked eye

resolving power

the extent to which an object can fathom distance

resolution of an object

the distance necessary to distinguish between two objects under an optical system

magnification

the instance in which an image makes an object appear larger than it actually is

formula for magnification

(size of image/actual size)

light microscope

those which use glass lenses to focus light on an object

electron microscopes

those which use magnets to focus a beam of electrons onto an object

tissue

a group of similar cells organized into a structural or functional unit

organ

structures composed of different tissues that carry out one or several major functions for the body

dermal tissue system

protective covering of the plants and contains epidermal tissue which reduces water loss from the surface of the plant body

vascular tissue system

a network primarily consisting of the xylem and phloem tissues which is responsible for transporting water, nutrients and sugars throughout the plant body

xylem tissue

principle water-conducting tissue in vascular plants

phloem tissue

principle food-conducting tissue in vascular plants

ground tissue system

group of tissues that are neither dermal or vascular

parenchyma cells

those involved in photosynthesis, storage and selection

collenchyma cells

support cells for young growing organs

sclerenchyma cells

those which strengthen and support plant parts that are no longer elongatin