Introduction to Cells and Subcellular Structures

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the video transcript covering key cell structures, functions, and classifications across eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Cells

The basic building blocks of life, defined as the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently.

Multicellular

Refers to organisms made up of loads of cells, such as animals and plants, where cell division functions mainly for growth and replacing dead cells.

Unicellular

Refers to a single-celled organism, such as a bacterium, where every cell division produces a whole new organism.

Subcellular structures

The different parts that make up a cell, also referred to as organelles.

Cell membrane

A structure surrounding a cell that controls which substances can pass in and out.

Nucleus

A structure in eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material (DNA) and controls the activities of the cell.

Cytoplasm

A gel-like substance filling the cell where other subcellular structures sit and where chemical reactions take place.

Mitochondria

Subcellular structures that provide cells with energy by breaking down sugars like glucose in a process called aerobic respiration.

Aerobic respiration

The process by which mitochondria break down sugars like glucose to release energy that the cell can use.

Ribosomes

Subcellular structures that serve as the site of protein synthesis, where proteins are made.

Cell wall

A rigid outer layer around plant and bacterial cells; in plant cells, it is made of cellulose to provide support and structure and prevent bursting.

Cellulose

A strong material that makes up the rigid cell wall in plant cells.

Permanent vacuole

A large sac in plant cells that contains cell sap, which the cell can use when needed.

Cell sap

A mixture of sugars, salts, and water contained within a plant cell's permanent vacuole.

Chloroplasts

Structures in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, containing chlorophyll to absorb light energy.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use energy from the sun to make sugars like glucose.

Chlorophyll

A green substance inside chloroplasts that absorbs the light energy required for photosynthesis and gives leaves their green color.

Plasmids

Additional small rings of DNA found in some bacteria that carry extra genes, such as those for antibiotic resistance.

Flagella

Thread-like structures that protrude from certain bacteria and rotate to propel the organism along.