Cell Theory, Organelles, and Cell Membrane Transport Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell theory, organelle functions, prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells, levels of organization, and cell membrane transport mechanisms.

Standard BIO.3

The biology curriculum standard requiring students to understand cell structure and function, including cell theory evidence, organelle interdependence, and membrane transport.

Cell Theory

A core biological theory supported by evidence and microscope technology stating that cells are the basic unit of life and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells through cell division.

Microscope

The piece of technology that enabled scientists to observe microscopic life and led directly to the development of the Cell Theory.

Ribosomes

The cellular organelles responsible for carrying out protein synthesis.

Mitochondria

The organelle responsible for cellular energy production, found in high concentrations in metabolically active cells.

Chloroplast

The specialized plant cell organelle where photosynthesis takes place.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable boundary composed of proteins floating in a lipid bilayer that regulates transport and maintains cellular homeostasis.

Fluid Mosaic Model

The conceptual model describing the cell membrane as a mosaic of proteins floating within a fluid phospholipid structure.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle containing genetic material that distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer structure that provides support and shape to plant cells, which is absent in animal cells.

Cytoplasm

The internal cellular fluid and environment where organelles reside and biochemical reactions occur.

Lysosome

An organelle containing enzymes responsible for breaking down wastes and cellular debris.

Golgi Apparatus

The organelle responsible for sorting, modifying, and packaging proteins and other cellular materials.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An extensive membrane network divided into rough ER (studded with ribosomes for protein processing) and smooth ER (lacking ribosomes).

Vacuole

A membrane-bound organelle utilized for the storage of water, nutrients, and waste products.

Levels of Organization

The biological hierarchy in multicellular organisms proceeding from cells to tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

Tissue

A group of similar, specialized cells working together to perform a specific common function.

Organ

A structure made up of different types of tissues working together to carry out specific bodily tasks.

Prokaryotic Cell

A simple cell type lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cell

A complex cell type that contains a membrane-bound nucleus and specialized membrane-bound organelles.

Diffusion

A form of passive transport where particles move from higher to lower concentration, demonstrated by spraying perfume in a classroom.

Osmosis

The passive movement of water across a semipermeable cell membrane in response to solute concentration gradients.

Endocytosis

A cellular transport mechanism by which a cell engulfs external materials by folding its membrane inward.

Exocytosis

A form of bulk transport where a vesicle containing wastes fuses with the cell membrane to release contents outside into the extracellular fluid.

Vesicle

A small membrane-bound sac formed within the cytoplasm that fuses with the cell membrane to release wastes outside the cell.

Homeostasis

The regulation and maintenance of a stable internal environment by the cell membrane despite changes in external conditions.