Cell Biology: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structure

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular fundamentals, prokaryotic structures, eukaryotic organelles, and plant-specific features.

Plasma membrane

A membrane surrounding all cells that separates the interior of the cell from the exterior environment.

Prokaryotic life

Organisms that are exclusively unicellular, encompassing the two biological domains Bacteria and Archaea.

Nucleotide region

A non-membrane-bound region of cytoplasm in a prokaryotic cell where the single circular chromosome of DNA is concentrated.

Plasmids

Small, circular DNA structures in prokaryotic cells that contain genes and exist physically independent of the main chromosome.

Flagella

Extracellular appendages found on some prokaryotic cells that enable movement.

Maria

Extracellular appendages present on some prokaryotes that allow for attachment to other cells or surfaces.

Photosynthetic membranes

Enfolded internal membranes in certain bacteria that provide a large surface area for photosynthesis without chloroplasts.

Domain Eukarya

The biological domain containing eukaryotic organisms, subdivided into the kingdoms Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals.

Eukaryotic cell size

The standard size range for most plant and animal cells, typically measuring from $10$ to $100$\,microns.

Nucleus

A eukaryotic organelle that stores DNA and serves as the location where DNA is replicated and transcribed into RNA.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

An organelle that produces proteins and lipids for the cell, featuring distinct regions specialized for synthesizing each.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle responsible for modifying and sorting newly produced proteins and lipids.

Lysosome

An organelle that breaks down or degrades damaged, misfolded, or unneeded macromolecules.

Mitochondria

Organelles found in plant and animal cells that extract chemical energy from molecules to produce ATP for powering cellular activities.

Cytoskeleton

An internal cellular apparatus that provides structural support to the cell and enables movement.

Cytoplasm

The fluid-filled internal space inside a cell situated between the plasma membrane and the nucleus.

Cytosol

The jelly-like portion of the cytoplasm in which organelles are suspended, composed mostly of water, ions, amino acids, nucleotides, and simple sugars.

Cell wall (plant)

An outer supportive structure located outside the plasma membrane in plant cells that helps maintain cell shape.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells responsible for carrying out photosynthesis.

Plastids

Organelles found in plant cells that store pigments.

Central vacuole

A fluid-filled organelle in plant cells that serves as a storage container and maintains turgor pressure against the cell wall.