Comparing Plant and Animal Cells

This set of flashcards covers the key vocabulary and concepts from the lesson on comparing plant and animal cells, focusing on their structures and functions.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes, such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, and the nucleus.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that carry out photosynthesis by capturing light energy.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that surrounds plant cells, providing shape and support, made of cellulose.

Vacuole

A storage compartment within a cell; large in plant cells for storing water and nutrients, smaller in animal cells.

Animalia

The kingdom of multicellular, heterotrophic organisms that lack a cell wall.

Plantae

The kingdom of multicellular, autotrophic organisms that have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

Fungi

Multicellular eukaryotes that are heterotrophic and have cell walls made of chitin.

Protista

A diverse kingdom consisting mainly of unicellular eukaryotes living in moist environments.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, where cellular respiration occurs and ATP is produced.

Ribosomes

Cell structures that synthesize proteins based on genetic instructions.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

A type of endoplasmic reticulum involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, responsible for protein synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or use within the cell.

Cell Membrane

A semi-permeable membrane that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Cellular respiration

The metabolic process that converts food into energy (ATP) in cells.