Cell Structure and Function Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the organelles, structures, membranes, and specific functions of prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant, and animal cells.

Rough ER

Eukaryotic organelle with a single membrane containing receptors and ribosomes; functions in protein processing and consists of branching sacs.

Smooth ER

Eukaryotic organelle with a single membrane and enzymes for lipid synthesis and calcium storage; consists of branching sacs.

Golgi Apparatus

Known as the "Post Office" of the cell; eukaryotic organelle with a single membrane and receptors consisting of a stack of flat sacs for protein processing.

Lysosomes

Eukaryotic organelle found in animal cells with a single membrane and proton pumps; contains enzymes for digestion and recycling.

Nucleus

Eukaryotic organelle containing genetic info and chromosomes; features a double membrane ("envelope") with openings called "pores."

Nucleolus

A component within the nucleus that functions as a ribosome factory.

Nuclear Lamina

Structure within the nucleus that provides structural support.

Ribosomes

Non-membranous structures composed of RNA and proteins; found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells for protein synthesis.

Peroxisomes

Eukaryotic organelle with a single membrane and transporters; contains enzymes used for oxidation reactions and to process peroxide.

Vacuoles

Eukaryotic organelle found in plant cells with a single membrane and transporters; stores pigments, oils, carbs, water, and toxins for coloration and storage.

Mitochondria

Eukaryotic organelle that performs cellular respiration and $ATP$ synthesis; features a double membrane where the inner folds are called cristae.

Cristae

The folds located on the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

Chloroplasts

Eukaryotic organelle found in plant cells featuring a double membrane, pigments, and enzymes to produce $ATP$ and sugar via photosynthesis; contains thylakoids stacked into granum.

Thylakoids

Membranous structures within chloroplasts that stack together to form granum.

Granum

A stack of thylakoids found within the chloroplast.

Cytoskeleton

Non-membranous structure found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that provides structural support and movement of materials.

Actin Filaments

Structural component of the cytoskeleton providing support.

Intermediate Filaments

Component of the cytoskeleton responsible for the movement of materials.

Microtubules

Component of the cytoskeleton used to move the whole cell.

Plasma Membrane

Single membrane with transport and receptor proteins composed of a phospholipid bilayer; maintains selective permeability and the intracellular environment.

Phospholipid bilayer

The structural component of the plasma membrane that performs transport and receptor functions.

Cell Wall

Non-membranous structure made of carbohydrate fibers providing protection and structural support; found in plants and in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Centrosome

Eukaryotic organelle found in animal cells with no membrane; contains $2$ centrioles and functions in microtubule initiation and the mitotic spindle.

Centrioles

Components within the centrosome involved in microtubule initiation.

Cytosol

Internal environment of the cell consisting of water, ions, and macromolecules; has no membrane and holds things in place.

Nuclear pore

Openings in the nuclear envelope that allow for communication between the nucleus and the rest of the cell.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane structure that surrounds the nucleus.

Chromatin

The genetic material found inside the nucleus as identified in cell diagrams.

Plasmodesmata

Channels found in the plant cell wall for transport and communication.

Tonoplast

The specific membrane that surrounds the vacuole in a plant cell.