Cell Biology Introduction and Overview of Eukaryotic Cells

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from cell biology including cell boundaries, prokaryotic vs eukaryotic features, ECM components, adhesive proteins, cell differentiation, and mechanisms of cell death.

Cell Biology

The scientific study of cell structure and function.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms, and the smallest unit that can sustain life.

Plasma Membrane

The cellular boundary that controls exchange and communication with the external environment.

Eukaryotes

Complex single-celled or multi-celled organisms—including animals, plants, fungi, and algae—that possess a membrane-bound nucleus with multiple linear chromosomes and sub-cellular organelles.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms—including all bacteria and Archaea—that lack a cell nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, contain a single circular chromosome, and reproduce by binary fission.

Bacterial Ribosomes

Ribosomes found in bacterial cells that differ structurally from human cytosolic ribosomes, providing a basis for selective antibiotic action.

Cellular Chemical Composition

The chemical makeup of a cell, consisting of approximately $70\%$ water and $30\%$ chemicals (DNA, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and $4\%$ other small molecules).

Cell Differentiation

The process through which unspecialized cells specialize into specific cell types to perform distinct functions within tissues and organs.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells found in embryonic and adult organisms that can proliferate and differentiate into specialized cell types.

Hepatocytes

Parenchymal cells of the liver responsible for synthesizing albumin.

Lymphocytes

Immune cells that function to produce immunoglobulins.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A complex network of macromolecules located outside the cells—primarily composed of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, fibronectin, and laminin—that helps hold cells together and supports cell adhesion, movement, and growth.

Adhesive Proteins

Cell surface proteins, such as integrins and cadherins, that help individual cells stick to each other or to the extracellular matrix.

Cadherins

Adhesive proteins found on the cell surface that act like molecular Velcro to help cells attach directly to nearby cells.

Integrins

Surface adhesive proteins that facilitate cell attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Collagens

Structural proteins in the extracellular matrix that provide firmness and structural support to tissues.

Elastins

Structural proteins in the extracellular matrix that grant elasticity to tissues, allowing them to stretch.

Apoptosis

A regulated and programmed form of cellular death.

Necrosis

Unregulated cell death often resulting from cell injury or reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage, typically provoking an inflammatory response.

Cellular Ion Concentration

The specific electrochemical distribution where potassium ion ($K^+$) concentration is higher inside the cell, while sodium ($Na^+$), chloride ($Cl^-$), and calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) ion concentrations are higher on the outside.