Cell Structure, Levels of Organisation, and Microorganisms

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cell organelles, levels of biological organization, and the characteristics and uses of various microorganisms as outlined in the lecture notes.

Cell Wall

Provides shape and structure to the cell.

Cell Membrane

Controls the movement of molecules in & out of the cell.

Cytoplasm

The site of metabolic processes within the cell.

Nucleus

Controls the functioning of all the cell organelles; often in the center of animal cells and pushed to one side in plant cells.

Mitochondria

Organelles that provide energy to the cell.

Chloroplast

Organelles containing chlorophyll that help in the synthesis of food through photosynthesis.

Vacuole

Organelles used for storage; plant cells have a large central vacuole, while animal cells have small or no vacuoles.

Nerve cell [NEURON]

Long & branched cells designed to carry messages across different parts of the body.

Red Blood Cell [RBC]

Disc shaped and biconcave cells that help in the easy transport of oxygen.

Muscle cells

Long & spindle shaped cells that help in the contraction & movement of body parts.

Guard Cells

Kidney-shaped cells in leaves that control the opening & closing of stomata for gas exchange.

Cell

The smallest unit of life, comparable to a brick in a building.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together, such as muscle tissue or skin tissue.

Organ

A combination of different tissues that form a structure with specific functions, such as the heart or a leaf.

Organ system

A group of organs working together in systems, such as the digestive or respiratory systems.

Organism

A complete living being formed by all organ systems working together.

Bacteria

Unicellular organisms found everywhere that reproduce rapidly by binary fission and can be useful (nitrogen fixation) or harmful (causing diseases).

Fungi

Mostly multicellular organisms (except yeast) that lack chlorophyll, feed on dead and decaying matter (saprophytes), and reproduce by spores.

Protozoa

Unicellular, mostly microscopic organisms found in water that move using pseudopodia, cilia, or flagella.

Algae

Unicellular or multicellular organisms containing chlorophyll that perform photosynthesis and produce oxygen in aquatic ecosystems.

Viruses

Smallest microorganisms that lack a complete cellular structure and can only reproduce inside the cells of a living host.

Fermentation

A biological process where microorganisms consume sugars to produce energy ($ATP$), releasing by-products like lactic acid, $CO_2$, or ethanol.

Casein

The protein present in milk that denatures and reacts with lactic acid bacteria to form curd.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A type of yeast used in baking to leaven dough and in the production of alcohol.

Acetobacter

A group of bacteria that thrives in the presence of oxygen and converts ethanol into acetic acid (vinegar).

Biological Nitrogen Fixers

Bacteria able to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere to enrich soil and increase its fertility.