Cell Structure and Function L5

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cell structure and function, including cell theory, types of cells, genetic material, organelles, and related biological processes.

Cell Theory

The scientific theory that states all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, cells are the smallest unit of life, and new cells arise from pre-existing cells by cell division.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the complete set of genetic material within an organism, serving as the blueprint for development and function.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that converts genetic material into proteins and is typically single-stranded.

Proteins

Molecules that give structure and function to the body, collectively known as the proteome.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have internal compartmentalization, including membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack internal compartmentalization and membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound structure that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and is responsible for storing and replicating it.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that serves as a network of membranes for synthesizing and processing lipids and proteins.

Golgi Complex

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery inside the cell.

Cytoskeleton

The protein filaments that provide structure, shape, and transportation within the cell.

Mitochondria

Organelles that serve as the powerhouses of the cell, producing ATP through aerobic respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that capture light energy for photosynthesis.

Viruses

Biological entities that contain genetic material but cannot reproduce or metabolize without a host cell, hence not considered fully alive.

ACE2 Receptor

A protein on cell membranes that serves as a binding site for Angiotensin II, regulating blood pressure.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The hypothesis that chloroplasts and mitochondria originated from prokaryotic cells that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that make up the plasma membrane, with hydrophobic tails facing inward and hydrophilic heads facing outward.