Cell Structure - 1

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering human cell compartments, membrane-bound and non-membranous cytoplasmic organelles, and nuclear structures based on lecture notes from Dr. Ayman Elsharawy at Shaqra University.

Cell

The structural and functional unit of all living organisms, consisting of two major compartments: the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

Cytoplasm

The substance surrounding the nucleus that contains organelles and maintains the different processes keeping the cell alive.

Cell Organelles (Organoids)

Small organs contained within the cytoplasm that have specialized functions to maintain cellular activity.

Cell Membrane

The very thin outer boundary of the cell visible by electron microscope that isolates the cell from the surrounding environment, adheres cells together, mediates substance transport, and contains receptors to control cellular functions.

Mitochondria

Double-membraned organelles known as the 'power house of the cell' that contain mitochondrial enzymes involved in ATP energy production, possessing an outer smooth surface and an inner folded membrane to increase surface area.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of interconnected membranous structures involved mainly in the synthetic activity of the cell, divided into rough and smooth types.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (rER)

Large parallel flattened membranous sacs connected to each other and studded with ribosomes; responsible for synthesizing proteins that go to the Golgi apparatus.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (sER)

A network of branching membranous tubules with a smooth surface lacking ribosomes, functioning in carbohydrate and lipid synthesis and the detoxification of drugs.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle composed of multiple flattened saccules stacked over each other that functions in the concentration, modification, labeling, and packing of secretory proteins.

Immature Surface (Cis Face)

The receiving surface of the Golgi apparatus where small transport vesicles coming from the rough endoplasmic reticulum join.

Mature Face (Trans Face)

The shipping surface of the Golgi apparatus from which large secretory vesicles emerge.

Lysosomes

Spherical membranous organelles filled with homogenous or heterogeneous material that perform digestive activities, including the degradation of exogenous microorganisms and autolysis after death.

Ribosomes

Non-membranous organelles concerned with protein synthesis that occur either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Free Ribosomes

Ribosomes suspended freely in the cytoplasm that synthesize proteins kept inside the cytoplasm to be utilized by the cell.

Attached Ribosomes

Ribosomes bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum that synthesize proteins destined to be exported outside the cell, such as hormones.

Centrioles

Organelles formed of microtubule proteins that participate in cell division by forming the mitotic spindle that divides chromosomes.

Microtubules

Proteins that make up centrioles and emerge as the mitotic spindle during cell division to divide chromosomes.

The Nucleus

The cell compartment that manages, directs, and regulates biological orders, serving as the storage compartment for genetic material that controls all cellular activities.

Nuclear Envelope

A membrane surrounding the nucleus that separates it from the cytoplasm and contains nuclear pores for substance exchange.

Nuclear Pores

Specialized openings in the nuclear envelope that allow substance exchange between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Chromatin

Nuclear material containing the double-stranded DNA of an individual's genetic material joined with proteins called histones.

Histones

Proteins complexed with double-stranded DNA to form chromatin inside the nucleus.

Nucleolus

A rounded, non-membrane-bound structure within the nucleus that contributes to the synthesis of ribosomes.

Nuclear Matrix (Sap)

A semi-fluid material that fills the spaces between the chromatin, nucleoli, and nuclear envelope within the nucleus.