BIOL 101: Lecture 16 - Cells

A flashcard set focusing on key concepts from the lecture about cells, their structure, types, and functions.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a membrane-bound nucleus, often unicellular.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, can be unicellular or multicellular.

Cell Theory

A fundamental theory stating that all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes.

Plasma Membrane

The flexible boundary that surrounds the cell, regulating what enters and leaves.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid inside the cell where organelles are suspended.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA and controls its activities.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in the synthesis and processing of proteins and lipids.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Lysosomes

Membranous sacs filled with enzymes for digestion and waste removal.

Vacuoles

Large vesicles that store substances, maintain pressure, and support cell structure.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy through cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plants that perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that provides support and protection to plant cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers that provide structural support and shape to the cell.

Microfilaments

Thin fibers that assist in cell movement and shape maintenance.

Microtubules

Thick, hollow tubes providing structural support, shape, and aiding in cell division.

Intermediate Filaments

Fibrous proteins that help maintain cell shape and anchor organelles.

Plasmodesmata

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

Tight Junctions

Cell junctions that prevent leakage of materials between cells.

Gap Junctions

Channels that allow ions and small molecules to pass between animal cells.

Anchoring Junctions

Junctions that fasten cells together into sheets.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A meshwork of proteins and carbohydrates surrounding animal cells.

Cell Diversity

The variety of cell types and structures found across different organisms.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells engulfed by ancestors of eukaryotic cells.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus that regulates material entry and exit.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus, condensing to form chromosomes during cell division.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus responsible for ribosomal RNA synthesis.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.

Photosynthesis

The process by which chloroplasts convert light energy into chemical energy.

Membrane Proteins

Proteins associated with or embedded in the cell membrane that serve various functions, including transport.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of diverse protein molecules embedded in a fluid phospholipid bilayer.

Cell Junctions

Connections between cells that provide structural and functional cohesion.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures that assist in cell movement or moving fluids past the cell.

Pili

Short projections on prokaryotic cells that help them attach to surfaces.

Flagella

Long projections that propel prokaryotic cells through liquid.

Central Vacuole

A large vacuole in plant cells that maintains turgor pressure.

Contractile Vacuole

A vacuole in some protists that expels excess water.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer forming the cell wall of many bacteria.

Nucleoid

The region in prokaryotic cells where the DNA is located, not surrounded by a membrane.

Nuclear Pores

Large protein complexes that cross the nuclear envelope, allowing transport of molecules.

Hydrophilic

Having an affinity for water; soluble in water.

Hydrophobic

Repelling water; not soluble in water.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food (e.g. plants).

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms.

Eukarya

Domain of life that includes all eukaryotic organisms.

Bacteria

Domain of prokaryotic organisms that are usually unicellular and microscopic.

Archaea

Domain of prokaryotic organisms that often live in extreme environments.