Biology chap. 4 pt 2

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms related to eukaryotic cells, their structures, and functions.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell; the site of aerobic respiration where energy is produced from food.

Aerobic respiration

The process by which cells break down food in the presence of oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Chloroplast

An organelle in photosynthetic eukaryotes that is the site of photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.

Thylakoid

A membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts where the light reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Endosymbiotic theory

A hypothesis that explains the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts as once free-living bacteria that were engulfed by a eukaryotic cell.

Cytoskeleton

A network of proteins within a cell that provides structural support and shape, and facilitates cell movement.

Microtubules

Straw-shaped polymers of tubulin that form part of the cytoskeleton and assist in maintaining cell shape and transporting materials within the cell.

Microfilaments

Also known as actin filaments; they support the cell membrane and are involved in cell shape changes and muscle contraction.

Vacuole

A large membrane-bound organelle primarily found in plant cells, used for storing water, nutrients, and waste.

Plasma desmata

Channels between plant cells that allow for transport and communication of substances.

Lysosome

An organelle that contains digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Centrosome

The region of the cell where microtubules are organized and originate from, typically near the nucleus.