Cell Structure and Function Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the Cell Structure and Function lecture.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of every organism.

Plasma Membrane

The outer boundary of a cell that separates its internal environment from the external environment.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm, excluding organelles.

Prokaryote

A type of cell lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles; Domains Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryote

A type of cell with a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles; Domain Eukarya (protists, fungi, animals, and plants).

Organelle

A membrane-bound structure within a eukaryotic cell that performs a specific function.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane enclosing the nucleus; has pores that regulate entry and exit of materials.

Nucleolus

A dense region within the nucleus where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized.

Ribosome

A structure composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and protein; synthesizes proteins. Can be free in the cytosol or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranous sacs and tubes in eukaryotic cells; synthesizes membranes and compartmentalizes the cell. Can be rough (with ribosomes) or smooth (no ribosomes).

Golgi Complex

An organelle in eukaryotic cells consisting of flattened membranous sacs called cisternae; receives, modifies, sorts, and packages materials from the ER.

Lysosome

A membranous sac containing hydrolytic enzymes that animal cells use to hydrolyze macromolecules.

Vacuole

Large vesicles derived from the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus that have selective transport.

Mitochondria

Organelles that are the site of cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells.

Chloroplast

Specialized organelle in photosynthetic organisms; site of photosynthesis; contains the green pigment chlorophyll.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers throughout the cytoplasm that provides structural and mechanical support and anchors organelles.

Microtubule

Hollow rod-like structures made of the protein tubulin; serve as structural support and assist in the movement of organelles and chromosomes.

Microfilament

Thin solid rods made of the protein actin; maintain cell shape and assist in muscle contraction and cell motility.

Intermediate Filament

Fibrous proteins made up of varying subunits; maintain cell shape and anchor nucleus and organelles.

Cristae

Infoldings of the inner membrane of the mitochondria; increases surface area for reactions.

Stroma

Fluid around thylakoids; location for the Calvin cycle.

Thylakoids

Membranous sacs that can organize into stacks called grana; light dependent reactions occur in grana.