Cell structure

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet dye and appear blue/violet under a microscope.

Slime capsule

A thick polysaccharide layer that protects against desiccation and phagocytosis.

Cell wall

A protective structure that maintains cell shape, made of murein/peptidoglycan.

Plasma membrane

A selective membrane allowing nutrients and oxygen to enter and exit the cell.

Cytoplasm

The fluid that holds and suspends organelles within the cell.

Nucleoid

The region in prokaryotes containing naked DNA, not associated with histones.

Plasmids

Small accessory chromosomes in prokaryotes that can carry drug-resistance genes.

Attachment pili

Short, hollow protein structures used for adhesion in bacteria.

Flagella

Whip-like structures that provide locomotion for prokaryotic cells.

Compartmentalization

The division of the cell into various compartments, increasing metabolic efficiency.

80S ribosomes

Ribosomes found in eukaryotic cells, larger than prokaryotic ribosomes (70S).

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains DNA and is the site of transcription and replication.

Mitochondria

Double-membraned organelles that are the sites of ATP production through cellular respiration.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER)

A type of ER with ribosomes on its surface, synthesizing proteins for secretion.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that processes proteins from the rER and packages them for transport.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes, used to break down waste materials.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that perform photosynthesis, producing glucose.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers that maintain cell shape and assist in movement.

Striated muscle fibers

Fused muscle cells that are multinucleated and work together as a single unit.

Aseptate fungi

Fungi with continuous cytoplasm and no septa, appearing as multinucleated cells.

Red blood cells

Specialized animal cells that lack a nucleus to maximize oxygen capacity.

Phloem sieve tube

Plant cells that transport dissolved substances without organelles, relying on companion cells.