Chapter 3: The Cell

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from lecture notes on cell biology, focusing on spontaneous generation, cell theory, and prokaryotic/eukaryotic cell structures.

Spontaneous Generation

The disproven notion that life can arise from non-living matter.

Cell Theory

All cells come from other cells, and cells are the fundamental unit of life.

Nucleoid Region

Area where the bacterial chromosome is found in prokaryotic cells.

Plasmids

Circular pieces of DNA in bacteria that can code for non-essential genes, such as antibiotic resistance or toxins.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis; different sizes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Inclusions

Storage structures for excess nutrients or molecules within cells.

Endospores

Dormant state of a cell to protect against adverse conditions; benchmark for successful sterilization.

Peptidoglycan

A substance forming the cell walls of prokaryotes.

Glycocalyces

Capsules or slime layers outside the cell envelope, often considered virulence factors.

Fimbriae

Bristle-like structures that help with adhesion to host cells.

Pili

Singular structures involved in genetic transfer (e.g., plasmids).

Flagella

Structures common to aquatic species that help with motility through liquid; made of flagellin protein.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells defined by having a confined compartment to store chromosomal material (nucleus) and membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleolus

Region within the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized and ribosome structures are assembled.

Endomembrane System

Composed of tubules, sacs, and flat disks that synthesize and transport materials around eukaryotic cells (includes ER, Golgi, lysosomes, vesicles).

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum containing ribosomes, responsible for protein synthesis.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum that is the site of lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that modifies synthesized molecules and sends them to different parts of the cell.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing digestive enzymes to degrade food or cellular debris without harming the cell.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that break down uric acid, amino acids, and fatty acids with hydrogen peroxide; similar to lysosomes but not part of the endomembrane system.

Cytoskeleton

Helps maintain cell shape, transport materials, and anchor organelles. Includes microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.

Microtubules

Tubulin dimers that help move vesicles around and make up flagella and cilia.

Microfilaments

Strands of actin that help with pseudopodal movement.

Mitochondria

Main site of aerobic respiration and ATP (energy) generation.

Chloroplasts

Site of photosynthesis and glucose generation in plant cells.

Phagocytosis

Cell 'eating'; a form of endocytosis unique to eukaryotes.

Pinocytosis

Cell 'drinking'; a form of endocytosis unique to eukaryotes.