BIOL 443/543 LECTURE SLIDES 2 (Cell Size, Types, and Structure)

Vocabulary flashcards covering minimal cell dimensions, prokaryotic and eukaryotic characteristics, cell diversity, and organelles based on Week 1 Cell Biology notes.

Minimal Cell Diameter

The calculated minimum diameter of a functional cell ($\approx 89\,\text{nm}$), accounting for minimal metabolic machinery ($100$ enzymes, DNA, mRNA, tRNA, $2$ ribosomes) and a $7.5\,\text{nm}$ thick plasma membrane.

Mycoplasmas

Small, wall-less bacteria measuring $150\text{--}400\,\text{nm}$ in diameter, recognized as the smallest known cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells ranging from $0.1\text{ to }5\,\mu\text{m}$ in diameter ($0.0005\text{ to }65\,\mu\text{m}^3$ volume) that lack or have few internal membranes and contain circular chromosomes within a nucleoid.

Eukaryotic Cells

Structurally complex cells ranging from $10\text{ to }100\,\mu\text{m}$ in diameter (average $\approx 20\,\mu\text{m}$) with internal membrane-bound compartments and linear chromosomes stored inside a nucleus.

Nucleoid

The non-membrane-bound region in prokaryotic cells where the circular DNA and chromatin are located.

Ostreococcus tauri

The smallest known free-living eukaryotic cell, measuring $1\,\mu\text{m} \times 0.7\,\mu\text{m}$.

Paramecium

A single giant protozoan cell that swims using beating cilia covering its surface.

Macrophage

An animal cell that spreads out as it patrols tissues to search for and ingest invading microorganisms.

Fission Yeast

A single-celled eukaryotic organism that reproduces by splitting into two equal cells via a medial septum wall.

Tonoplast

The membrane enclosing the large, fluid-filled central vacuole in a plant cell.

Macromolecular Crowding

The dense packing of proteins, ribosomes, RNA, and cytoskeletal filaments within the intracellular cytoplasmic environment.

Streptococcus

A genus of bacteria characterized by spherical cell morphology.

Escherichia coli

A species of bacteria characterized by rod-shaped cell morphology.

Treponema pallidum

A species of bacteria characterized by spiral cell morphology.