Cell Physiology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on cell physiology.

Plasma Membrane

Defines the border of every human cell and separates intracellular fluid from extracellular fluid.

Nucleus

Largest organized cell component, controls cellular activity using genetic material.

Cytoplasm

The portion of the cell interior not occupied by the nucleus, includes organelles and cytosol.

Organelles

Highly organized, membrane-enclosed structures within the cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Protein/lipid producing factory, can be rough (with ribosomes) or smooth (without ribosomes).

Golgi Complex

Stack of cisterns that processes and sorts products received from the ER.

Ribosomes

Sites of protein synthesis, can be free-floating or attached to rER.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound organelles containing hydrolytic enzymes to break down organic molecules.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell that generates energy (ATP) from food.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, triggered by a built-in biochemical pathway.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of reactions that convert acetyl CoA into CO2, NADH, and ATP.

Glycolysis

First step in the breakdown of glucose to pyruvate, occurs in the cytosol.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

Process in the mitochondria that generates ATP using the electron transport chain.

Endocytosis

Process of bringing extracellular material into the cell.

Exocytosis

Process by which secretory vesicles release contents outside the cell.