Cell Structure Flashcards (2A-2C) - Life Science 5th Edition

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from cell theory, cell types, cell structures, transport, energy processes, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and origins.

Cell theory

A model stating that all living things are made of one or more cells; all cells come from preexisting cells; cells perform the functions of living things.

Cell

The basic unit of life; all living things are made of cells.

Robert Hooke

English scientist who observed plant cells under a microscope in the 1600s and named them 'cells.'

Matthias Schleiden

German scientist who proposed that all plants are made of cells.

Theodor Schwann

German scientist who proposed that all animals are made of cells.

Rudolf Virchow

German scientist who stated that cells come from existing cells.

Robert Remak

Scientist who proposed that cells can divide to form new cells.

Virus

A non-cellular infectious particle; not considered a cell, illustrating that CT is a model, not a universal truth.

Prokaryote

A cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; usually unicellular and microscopic.

Eukaryote

A cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; can be unicellular or multicellular.

Unicellular

An organism consisting of a single cell.

Multicellular

An organism made of many cells that work together.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a function.

Organ

A structure made of tissues that work together to perform a function.

Organelles

Membrane-bound structures inside a eukaryotic cell that perform specific functions.

Prokaryotic cell structures

Basic components of prokaryotic cells (cell membrane, cell wall, capsule, cytoplasm, flagellum, DNA); prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles.

Cell membrane

The gatekeeper of the cell; selectively permeable, controls what enters and leaves.

Cell wall

Supports and protects cells, especially in plants.

Capsule

Slimy layer surrounding certain bacteria.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like fluid inside the cell; in eukaryotes it contains organelles.

Flagellum

Whip-like structure used for movement.

DNA/Chromosomes

Genetic material that contains information to make proteins; proteins perform most cell functions.

Nucleus

Control center of the cell in eukaryotes.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Membrane network where proteins are produced and transported; helps maintain cell function.

Golgi apparatus

Modifies and packages proteins for transport (UPS).

Ribosomes

Cell workers that synthesize proteins.

Cytoskeleton

Structural framework and highways for transport within the cell.

Lysosomes

Organelle that breaks down waste and cellular debris.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; produces ATP (energy) for cellular processes.

Chloroplast

Organelle where photosynthesis occurs; contains chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll

Green pigment that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

Process by which producers convert light energy, CO2, and water into glucose and oxygen.

Glucose

A carbohydrate (sugar) produced by photosynthesis and used in cellular respiration.

Carbohydrate

Molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (e.g., glucose).

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the cell’s energy currency.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration; a form of passive transport.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane; a form of passive transport.

Passive transport

Movement of substances across membranes without using cellular energy.

Active transport

Movement of substances across membranes that requires energy, often via protein pumps.

Endocytosis

Process by which cells engulf external material.

Phagocytosis

Type of endocytosis where cells engulf large particles like bacteria.

Origin of the cell

Question of how cells originated; discussed via Evolution and Creation narratives in the notes.