Cellular Organelles and Their Functions

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to cellular organelles and their functions.

Prokaryote

An organism without a nucleus; includes Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryote

An organism with a true nucleus, characterized by complex cellular structures.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the genome and is the site of DNA and RNA synthesis.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a eukaryotic cell that perform distinct functions.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A massive membrane system involved in biosynthesis and modification of lipids and proteins.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

The section of the ER that is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

The section of the ER without ribosomes, involved in lipid metabolism and calcium storage.

Golgi Apparatus

A processing, packing, and exporting organelle made of flattened membrane-bound sacs called cisternae.

Lysosomes

Acidic organelles involved in degradation of cellular waste and unwanted materials.

Mitochondria

The site of energy production in the cell, known for its double membrane and ATP generation.

Cytoplasm

The cell contents within the plasma membrane, excluding the nucleus.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm that surrounds organelles and is the site of many chemical reactions.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane structure that surrounds the nucleus, containing pores for transport.

Nucleolus

A prominent sub-nuclear structure responsible for ribosome production, not membrane-bound.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines for protein synthesis, found free in the cytosol or attached to the ER.

Chromosomes

Condensed DNA structures that become visible during cell division.