Cell Structure and Function

biochem test study

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in photosynthetic eukaryotic cells containing chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll

A pigment that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process of converting CO₂ and H₂O into organic molecules using light energy.

Redox reactions

Chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons, occurring during photosynthesis.

Stroma

The thick fluid inside the inner membrane of chloroplasts.

Thylakoids

Flattened disks in chloroplasts containing chlorophyll.

Grana

Stacks of thylakoids in chloroplasts.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for cellular respiration, converting organic molecules into ATP.

Cristae

Folds of the inner membrane of mitochondria that increase surface area for energy production.

Matrix

Fluid-filled space inside the inner membrane of mitochondria.

Cell Wall

A structure found in plants, fungi, protists, bacteria, and archaea providing structural support and protection.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of sugar molecules that constitute a primary component of the cell wall.

Cytoskeleton

An internal network of protein fibers that provide shape, support, and movement within the cell.

Microtubules

Thickest cytoskeleton fibers that maintain cell shape, move organelles, and form spindle fibers during cell division.

Intermediate Filaments

Cytoskeletal fibers that maintain shape and anchor organelles.

Microfilaments

Thinnest cytoskeleton fibers composed of actin, involved in maintaining shape and muscle contraction.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures that move in a wave-like motion, often for locomotion or to move substances across surfaces.

Flagella

Long, tail-like structures that move in a whip-like motion.

Fluorescence Microscopy

A technique using fluorescent dyes to highlight cell structures under UV light.

Confocal Microscopy

A technique that creates 3D images from optical slices.

FISH (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization)

A method that uses dye-tagged antibodies to stain specific DNA sequences.

Indirect Immunofluorescence

A technique that uses antibodies to label specific cell components.

Ion Staining

Uses fluorescent probes to detect specific ions.