Cell Theory and Eukaryotic Cell Structure

This set of flashcards covers the essential vocabulary and concepts related to the cell theory and the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, as presented in the lecture notes.

Cell Theory

A fundamental concept in biology stating that all organisms are made up of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and cells arise from preexisting cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus; includes bacteria and archaea, which have genetic material organized in a circular chromosome.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a nucleus containing genetic material, includes animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle that houses the cell's DNA and is involved in regulating gene expression.

Endomembrane System

A network of membranes within eukaryotic cells that divides the cell into compartments with specialized functions, including the nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes.

Vesicles

Small membrane-enclosed sacs that transport substances within a cell or from the interior to the exterior of the cell.

Lysosomes

Specialized vesicles that degrade damaged or unneeded macromolecules through hydrolytic enzymes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A type of ER studded with ribosomes, involved in the synthesis of proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

A type of ER that lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Exocytosis

The process by which a vesicle fuses with the cell membrane to release its contents outside the cell.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells engulf material from the outside environment through the cell membrane.

Glycosylation

The process of adding sugars to proteins or lipids, important for cell surface recognition and protection.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell and regulates the movement of substances in and out.

Cytoplasm

The entire contents of a cell except for the nucleus, consisting of the cytosol and organelles.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer found in prokaryotic cells that helps maintain cell shape.

Cytosol

The jelly-like fluid that fills the interior of a cell, surrounding organelles.