Organisation of Life - Lecture 4, 5, & 7 Notes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the discovery of cells, cell theory, types of organisms, and the structure and function of cellular organelles and their associated diseases.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function of living beings, often described as the building block of life and the smallest unit that carries out all life processes.

Prokaryotes

Simple, primitive cells that lack a nucleus and internal membrane-bound structures, typically ranging in size from $0.1-5\,\mu m$.

Eukaryotes

Complex cells that contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound structures, ranging in size from $10-100\,\mu m$, and include plants, animals, and fungi.

Robert Hooke

The scientist who observed cork cells in 1665 and coined the term 'CELL' because they reminded him of the rooms where monks lived.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

The 'Father of Microbiology' who perfected early microscopes and was the first to discover single-celled organisms, bacteria, and muscle fibers.

Robert Brown

A scientist who noticed the jiggling of pollen grains (Brownian motion) and discovered the cell nucleus in 1831.

Matthias Schleiden

A botanist who concluded in 1838 that all plants are made of cells.

Theodor Schwann

A zoologist who concluded in 1839 that all animals are made of cells.

Rudolph Virchow

A physician who concluded that 'Omnis cellula e cellula,' meaning all cells arise only from pre-existing cells.

Cell Theory

A theory proposed by Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow stating that all organisms are composed of cells, cells are the smallest living units, and cells arise only by division of existing cells.

Plasma Membrane

A semi-permeable, fluidic lipid bilayer embedded with proteins that regulates the passage of materials and provides structural support to the cell.

Nucleus

Known as the 'Brain of the cell,' it serves as the control center, containing genetic material (chromatin) and the nucleolus.

Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC)

A structure made of $50-100$ different proteins called nucleoporins that regulates all exchanges between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

A premature aging disorder caused by a mutation in the Lamin gene which disrupts nuclear membrane integrity.

Nucleolus

A non-membranous structure in the nucleus described as the 'ribosome factory' where ribosomal RNA genes are concentrated.

Mitochondria

The 'Powerhouse of a cell' discovered by Richard Altmann (1890), responsible for ATP production, calcium storage, and apoptosis.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A network of membrane-lined channels with ribosomes attached to the surface; it is the primary site for protein synthesis.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

A network of membranes responsible for synthesizing lipids and steroids, regulating calcium metabolism, and drug detoxification.

Golgi Bodies

Discovered by Camillo Golgi, these curved vesicles and tubes package, process, and distribute protein and lipid-filled vesicles from the ER.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines made of RNA and proteins consisting of a large catalytic subunit and a small decoding subunit responsible for protein synthesis.

Lysosomes

Cytoplasmic organelles discovered by Christian de Duve that contain nearly $50$ digestive enzymes to breakdown macromolecules and worn-out cell parts.

Probiotics

Beneficial microorganisms that prevent the growth of pathogens, stimulate immunity, and synthesize Vitamin K.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process performed by certain bacteria to convert nitrogen gases from the air into organic nitrogen for plants.

Autophagy

A process where lysosomes digest worn-out cell parts.

Brownian motion

The jiggling movement of particles (like pollen grains in water) observed by Robert Brown.

Peptidoglycan

The material that makes up the cell walls of prokaryotes.

Cellulose

The material that makes up the cell walls of eukaryotic plant cells.

Coccus

A spherical-shaped bacterium.

Bacillus

A rod-like shaped bacterium.

Spirochete

A spiral- or corkscrew-shaped bacterium.

Vibrio

A comma-shaped bacterium.