Advanced Biology Quiz Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell organelles, cell transport, and basic macromolecules and properties of water.

Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane)

Selective barrier that controls what enters and leaves the cell, helping maintain homeostasis; located just inside the cell boundary between cytoplasm and exterior.

Cytoplasm

Gel‑like substance containing cytosol and organelles, located between the nucleus and the cell membrane.

Nucleus

The cell’s control center; houses DNA and contains nuclear pores that regulate traffic in and out of the nucleus.

Nuclear pores

Protein-lined channels in the nuclear envelope that regulate transport of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Nucleolus

Region inside the nucleus where ribosomes are made (RNA synthesis and ribosome assembly).

DNA

Genetic material; during interphase DNA is in a less condensed form (chromatin), and during cell division it condenses into chromosomes.

Chromatin

DNA incorporated with proteins in a relatively loose, thread-like form in non-dividing cells.

Chromosomes

Tightly condensed DNA structures visible during cell division.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein fibers that maintains cell shape, offers support, and assists in movement; motor proteins move along it.

Motor proteins

Proteins that move along the cytoskeleton to transport cellular cargo and facilitate movement.

Centrioles

Structures that organize spindle fibers to separate chromosomes during cell division (not present in all cell types).

Mitochondrion

Powerhouse of the cell; produces ATP by burning glucose; inner membrane folds increase surface area for chemical reactions.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins from amino acids.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

ER with attached ribosomes; proteins are synthesized, modified, and transported toward the Golgi for export.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

ER without ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and membranes (steroid hormones included).

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids from the ER for storage or export; consists of cisternae; vesicles bud off.

Cisternae

Stack of pancake-like membrane sacs within the Golgi apparatus where processing occurs.

Vesicles

Membrane-bound sacs that transport and deliver materials between organelles or to/from the cell surface.

Cilia

Many short projections that move the cell or help move substances past the cell surface.

Flagella

Few long projections that propel the cell.

Cell Wall

Rigid layer in plant (and some bacterial) cells that provides support and protection; not present in animal cells.

Vacuoles

Storage sacs for water, nutrients, wastes, and enzymes; varies in size between plant and animal cells.

Chloroplast

Organelle containing chlorophyll where photosynthesis occurs.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals, fungi).

Prokaryotes

Organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).

Protein

Macromolecule made of amino acids; functions include structure, enzymes, and cell components; elements: C, H, O, N.

Amino acid

Monomer unit of proteins.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store genetic information and code for proteins; elements: C, H, N, O, P; monomer: nucleotide.

Nucleotide

Monomer of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA).

Lipids

Macromolecules involved in energy storage, membrane structure, and steroid hormone formation; elements: C, H; monomer: fatty acid.

Fatty acid

Monomer of lipids.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules used for quick energy and energy storage; elements: C, H, O; monomer: monosaccharide glucose.

Monosaccharide (glucose)

Simple sugar; monomer of carbohydrates.

Isotonic

Solution with equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell; no net water movement.

Hypertonic

Solution with higher solute concentration than inside the cell; water moves out, causing cells to shrink.

Hypotonic

Solution with lower solute concentration than inside the cell; water moves in, causing cells to swell or burst.

Active transport

Movement of substances across a membrane that requires energy (often from ATP) and may move substances against their gradient; uses transport proteins or pumps.

Endocytosis

Process of taking material into the cell by engulfing it with the cell membrane.

Exocytosis

Process of vesicles fusing with the cell membrane to release contents outside the cell.

Simple diffusion

Movement of small, nonpolar molecules directly through the cell membrane from high to low concentration; no energy required.

Facilitated diffusion

Passive transport that uses transport proteins or channels to move substances across the membrane down their concentration gradient.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Water

Universal solvent; polar molecule; exhibits cohesion and adhesion; high specific heat; hydrogen bonding; solid water (ice) is less dense and floats; can act as a buffer.

Polarity

Molecule with uneven distribution of electric charge, giving it a positive and a negative end (water is polar).

Cohesion

Water molecules sticking to each other.

Adhesion

Water molecules sticking to other substances.

High specific heat

Property of water that allows it to resist temperature change and store heat.

Hydrogen bonds

Weak bonds between water molecules that contribute to cohesion, high heat capacity, and ice density.

Buffer

Substance that helps resist changes in pH by acting as an acid or base in solution.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; cellular energy currency that powers processes like active transport, endocytosis, and exocytosis.