Cell Structure & Function – Vocabulary Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, organelles, processes, and specialized terms from the lecture on cell structure, function, and related cellular biology topics.

Cell

The fundamental building block of all living organisms; smallest unit of life.

Plasma Membrane (Cell Membrane)

Selectively permeable outer boundary of the cell that regulates passage of substances and maintains cellular integrity.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like interior of the cell that houses organelles and is the site of many metabolic reactions.

Ribosome

Small structure that synthesizes proteins according to genetic instructions.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Molecule containing genetic instructions for building and maintaining the cell.

Eukaryotic Cell

Cell type with membrane-bound nucleus and organelles; found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Prokaryotic Cell

Cell type lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; characteristic of bacteria and archaea.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound control center that stores DNA, regulates gene expression, and directs cellular activities.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Membranous network involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport.

Rough ER

Region of ER studded with ribosomes; synthesizes and processes proteins.

Smooth ER

Region of ER without ribosomes; involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Body)

Organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or internal transport.

Mitochondrion

Organelle that generates ATP through cellular respiration; the cell’s "powerhouse."

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Primary energy currency of the cell produced mainly in mitochondria.

Lysosome

Organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste and cellular debris.

Vacuole

Membrane-bound storage compartment for water, nutrients, and waste; large and central in plant cells.

Chloroplast

Plant-cell organelle that conducts photosynthesis, converting light energy to chemical energy (sugars).

Cell Wall

Rigid structure outside the plasma membrane of plant cells, composed mainly of cellulose, providing support.

Centriole

Cylindrical structure in animal cells involved in organizing microtubules during cell division.

Autotroph

Organism that produces its own food (e.g., plants via photosynthesis).

Heterotroph

Organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms (e.g., animals).

Photosynthesis

Process in chloroplasts converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose) and releasing oxygen.

Cellular Respiration

Series of metabolic pathways (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, ETC) that convert nutrients into ATP.

Glycolysis

First stage of cellular respiration; glucose is broken into pyruvate, yielding small amounts of ATP.

Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)

Aerobic pathway in mitochondria that oxidizes acetyl-CoA, producing NADH, FADH2, and ATP.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

Series of proteins in mitochondrial membrane where electrons drive ATP synthesis.

Phospholipid Bilayer

Double-layered structure of the plasma membrane composed of phospholipids with embedded proteins.

Signal Transduction

Process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response.

Autocrine Signaling

Cell signaling where a cell targets itself with signaling molecules.

Paracrine Signaling

Cell communication involving nearby cells through local mediators.

Endocrine Signaling

Long-distance cell signaling via hormones carried in the bloodstream.

Cell Cycle

Ordered series of events leading to cell growth and division.

Mitosis

Type of cell division producing two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair.

Meiosis

Cell division producing gametes with half the chromosome number, enabling sexual reproduction.

DNA Replication

Process of copying DNA before cell division to ensure genetic continuity.

DNA Repair

Cellular mechanisms that correct DNA damage to maintain genome stability.

Transcription

Synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

Process where ribosomes use mRNA to assemble amino acids into proteins.

Protein Folding

Process by which a newly synthesized polypeptide attains its functional three-dimensional structure.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death crucial for development and maintaining tissue homeostasis.

Necrosis

Uncontrolled cell death due to injury, causing inflammation.

Stem Cell

Undifferentiated cell capable of self-renewal and giving rise to specialized cell types.

Oncogene

Mutated or overexpressed gene that can drive uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer.

Tumor Suppressor Gene

Gene that normally restrains cell division; its loss or inactivation can lead to cancer.

CRISPR-Cas9

Genome-editing technology allowing precise modification of DNA sequences.

Telomere

Protective DNA–protein cap at chromosome ends that shortens with each cell division.

Cellular Senescence

Permanent cessation of cell division associated with aging and telomere shortening.

Microscopy

Techniques using microscopes to visualize cells and their components.

Flow Cytometry

Method that analyzes physical and chemical characteristics of cells in fluid suspension.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Technique to amplify specific DNA sequences for analysis.

Epithelial Tissue

Sheet of tightly packed cells covering surfaces and lining cavities, functioning in protection and absorption.

Connective Tissue

Tissue type providing support and structure, including bone, cartilage, and blood.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue specialized for contraction and movement, rich in mitochondria.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue comprising neurons and supporting cells, specialized for signal transmission.

Starch

Primary carbohydrate storage molecule in plants.

Glycogen

Branched glucose polymer serving as carbohydrate storage in animals.