Cell Biology and Organelles

Vocabulary flashcards based on the cell biology lecture notes, covering organelle structures, functions, and cellular processes.

Nucleus

A large, membrane-bounded organelle that acts as the control center of the cell and contains genetic material (DNA) organized into structures called chromosomes.

Cytoplasm

The semifluid material enclosed by the cell membrane where chemical reactions occur and organelles float.

Ribosomes

Organelles that function as protein synthesizers in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells by reading mRNA to chain amino acids together.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A series of membrane-enclosed tubules and sacs in eukaryotic cells involved in synthesizing and processing proteins and lipids.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes on its membrane that functions in protein synthesis and membrane production.

Golgi Complex

A stack of flattened membrane sacs that controls the correct folding, packaging, and shipping of finished proteins via vesicles.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse organelle that generates chemical energy as ATP through the process of aerobic respiration by breaking down sugars.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant cells and photosynthetic algae that captures solar energy and converts it into the chemical energy of food through photosynthesis.

Lysosomes

Membrane-enclosed sacs containing digestive enzymes that break down large molecules, recycle old cell parts, and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria.

Vacuole

A membrane-bound sac that stores nutrients, water, macromolecules, and cellular waste products.

Cell Membrane

The boundary between the cell and its external environment that controls the transport of materials in and out of the cell and recognizes signals.

Cell Wall

A structural boundary found in prokaryotic, fungi, and plant cells that protects the cell, maintains its shape, and prevents rupture under high internal water pressure.

Centrioles

Structures present in animal cells that work together with the nucleus to generate spindle fibers for cell division.

mRNA

The molecule created from DNA information that carries instructions read by ribosomes to assemble amino acids in the correct sequence to make proteins.

Cells

The basic structural and functional units of life that provide body structure and perform essential processes like making proteins, generating energy, and reproducing.