Cell Structures and Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular structures, their presence in animal/plant cells, descriptions, and functions based on the worksheet.

Nucleus

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Contains genetic information and is surrounded by a nuclear envelope. Function: Stores genetic information.

Nuclear Membrane / Envelope

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). A double membrane with nuclear pores. Function: Separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm and controls movement through nuclear pores.

Nucleolus

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Dense region inside the nucleus. Function: Produces ribosomal components.

Chromatin

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Composed of DNA + proteins. Function: Contains genetic information.

Chromosome

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Condensed chromatin. Function: Carries genetic information.

Ribosomes

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Made of large and small subunits and rRNA. Function: Protein synthesis.

Rough ER

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Membranous channels and sacs with ribosomes attached. Function: Protein synthesis and processing.

Smooth ER

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Membranous channels without ribosomes. Function: Lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Vesicles

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Small membrane-bound sacs. Function: Transport and storage of materials.

Peroxisomes

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Membrane-bound vesicles containing enzymes. Function: Break down hydrogen peroxide and perform metabolic reactions.

Lysosomes

Found in animal cells only (A). Membrane-bound vesicles containing hydrolytic digestive enzymes. Function: Break down waste and cellular materials.

Golgi Apparatus

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Flattened membranous sacs. Function: Collects, packages and distributes proteins and lipids; produces lysosomes.

Mitochondria

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Double membrane structure where inner membrane forms cristae and contains matrix. Function: Produces ATP through cellular respiration.

Cristae

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Function: Increase surface area for cellular respiration.

Matrix

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Fluid-filled interior of mitochondrion containing DNA and ribosomes. Function: Site of reactions involved in cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Found in plant cells only (P). Double membrane structure containing stroma and thylakoids stacked into grana. Function: Photosynthesis; converts solar energy into chemical energy.

Vacuoles

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P; larger in plant cells). Membrane-bound storage compartments. Function: Storage of materials.

Cytoplasm

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Semi-fluid medium made of water, salts and dissolved organic molecules. Function: Site where many cellular processes occur.

Cytoskeleton

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Network of protein structures inside the cell. Function: Supports and maintains cell shape; helps organize the cell.

Cell Wall

Found in plant cells only (P). Protective, permeable wall; plant primary walls contain cellulose. Function: Protection and structural support.

Cell Membrane

Found in animal and plant cells (A + P). Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. Function: Regulates what enters and leaves the cell.