The Cellular Level of Organization - Organelles and Cytoplasm (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering major organelles and cytoplasmic components described in the lecture notes.

Cytosol

Intracellular fluid surrounding organelles; site of many chemical reactions where energy is released and building blocks for maintenance, structure, function, and growth are produced.

Cytoplasm

Material inside the cell excluding the nucleus; composed of cytosol and organelles.

Organelles

Specialized structures within the cell that perform distinct cellular functions.

Nucleus

Spherical/oval organelle that is a prominent cell feature; contains the genetic material and is enclosed by a nuclear envelope with pores.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments in the cytosol that provides structural support for the cell.

Microfilaments

Thin actin filaments that are part of the cytoskeleton and play a role in movement and shape.

Intermediate Filaments

Cytoskeletal filaments of intermediate thickness that provide mechanical strength.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes of tubulin that help maintain cell shape, enable intracellular transport, and separate chromosomes during division.

Centrosome

Region near the nucleus containing two centrioles and pericentriolar material; organizes microtubules.

Cilia

Short, hair-like projections on the cell surface that move fluids along the surface.

Flagellum

Longer projection that moves an entire cell; example: sperm tail.

Ribosomes

Sites of protein synthesis within the cell.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

Endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins and is connected to the nuclear envelope.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Endoplasmic reticulum lacking ribosomes; synthesizes fatty acids and steroids and detoxifies certain drugs.

Golgi Complex

Stack of cisternae that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for transport via vesicles.

Transport Vesicle

Vesicle that carries proteins from the rough ER to the Golgi or to other destinations.

Secretory Vesicle

Vesicle that carries products to the plasma membrane for exocytosis.

Lysosome

Vesicle containing powerful digestive enzymes for breaking down waste materials.

Peroxisome

Smaller than lysosomes; detoxifies toxic substances such as alcohol; abundant in liver.

Proteasome

Protein complex that destroys unneeded, damaged, or faulty proteins; located in the cytosol and nucleus.

Mitochondria

Powerhouses of the cell; generate ATP; have inner and outer membranes; contain cristae and matrix; self-replicate and contain their own DNA; inherited maternally.

Mitochondrial Matrix

Fluid-filled interior of mitochondrion containing enzymes and substrates for metabolism.

Mitochondrial Cristae

Folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane that increase surface area for energy production.

Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus that separates it from the cytoplasm and contains nuclear pores.

Nuclear Pores

Openings in the nuclear envelope that regulate movement of substances between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Nucleolus

Spherical body within the nucleus that produces ribosomes.

Chromatin

DNA-protein complex in the nucleus; condenses into chromosomes during cell division.

Chromosome

Long, DNA-protein complex that carries genetic information.

Genes

Hereditary units that control cellular activities and determine inheritance and traits.