Cell Biology Review Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to cell biology, including structures, functions, and processes within cells.

Plasma Membrane

A double phospholipid membrane that separates the internal part of the cell from the external environment and controls the movement of materials.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The structure of the plasma membrane composed of two layers of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward.

Integral Proteins

Proteins that extend deeply into the membrane and can form channels, often crucial for transportation.

Transmembrane Protein

A type of integral protein that spans the membrane, appearing on both surfaces.

Marker Molecules

Molecules attached to the surface of cells allowing them to identify other cells or molecules.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have carbohydrates attached, playing a role in cell recognition.

Transport Proteins

Proteins that move ions and molecules across the membrane, characterized by specificity, competition, and saturation.

Channel Proteins

Integral proteins that form channels through which ions or small molecules can pass.

Saturation

A condition where the rate of transport is limited by the number of available transport proteins.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across the plasma membrane against their concentration gradient, using energy (ATP).

Facilitated Diffusion

The movement of molecules across a membrane via transport proteins without the use of energy.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane through water channel proteins, called aquaporins.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells engulf substances from outside the cell by folding the plasma membrane.

Exocytosis

The process by which vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release their contents outside the cell.

Vesicular Transport

Movement of large particles or macromolecules across the plasma membrane using vesicles.

Nucleus

A membrane-bounded spherical body containing DNA and responsible for controlling cellular activities.

Ribosomes

Cell structures that synthesize proteins, made of RNA and proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membrane-bound spaces in the cytoplasm, involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies and packages proteins and lipids into vesicles.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, involved in energy production through cellular respiration.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments providing structural support and movement for the cell.

Cell Junctions

Structures serving to anchor cells together or provide passageways for cellular exchange.

Glycolipids

Lipids with attached carbohydrates that play a role in cell recognition similar to glycoproteins.

Plasma Membrane

A double phospholipid membrane that separates the internal part of the cell from the external environment and controls the movement of materials.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The structure of the plasma membrane composed of two layers of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward.

Integral Proteins

Proteins that extend deeply into the membrane and can form channels, often crucial for transportation.

Transmembrane Protein

A type of integral protein that spans the membrane, appearing on both surfaces.

Marker Molecules

Molecules attached to the surface of cells allowing them to identify other cells or molecules.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have carbohydrates attached, playing a role in cell recognition.

Transport Proteins

Proteins that move ions and molecules across the membrane, characterized by specificity, competition, and saturation.

Channel Proteins

Integral proteins that form channels through which ions or small molecules can pass.

Saturation

A condition where the rate of transport is limited by the number of available transport proteins.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across the plasma membrane against their concentration gradient, using energy (ATP).

Facilitated Diffusion

The movement of molecules across a membrane via transport proteins without the use of energy.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane through water channel proteins, called aquaporins.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells engulf substances from outside the cell by folding the plasma membrane.

Exocytosis

The process by which vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release their contents outside the cell.

Vesicular Transport

Movement of large particles or macromolecules across the plasma membrane using vesicles.

Nucleus

A membrane-bounded spherical body containing DNA and responsible for controlling cellular activities.

Ribosomes

Cell structures that synthesize proteins, made of RNA and proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membrane-bound spaces in the cytoplasm, involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies and packages proteins and lipids into vesicles.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, involved in energy production through cellular respiration.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments providing structural support and movement for the cell.

Cell Junctions

Structures serving to anchor cells together or provide passageways for cellular exchange.

Glycolipids

Lipids with attached carbohydrates that play a role in cell recognition similar to glycoproteins.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A description of the plasma membrane as a flexible layer of lipid molecules with embedded proteins that can move laterally.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A type of ER associated with ribosomes, primarily involved in protein synthesis and folding.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

A type of ER lacking ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound vesicles containing hydrolytic enzymes used for cellular digestion and waste removal.

Peroxisomes

Small organelles containing enzymes that break down fatty acids and detoxify substances like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Nucleolus

A dense structure within the nucleus responsible for the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosome assembly.

Cytoplasm

The cellular material surrounding the nucleus and enclosed by the plasma membrane, containing cytosol and organelles.

Phagocytosis

A form of endocytosis known as \"cell eating,\" where the cell engulfs large solid particles or debris.

Pinocytosis

A form of endocytosis known as \"cell drinking,\" where the cell ingests extracellular fluid and dissolved solutes.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across the membrane from high to low concentration without the expenditure of cellular energy.