Chapter 5: Eukaryotic Cells, Microbes & Parasites

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering eukaryotic cell structures, organelles, fungi classifications, protists, and parasitic helminths.

Eukaryotic Cells

Larger and more complex cells that contain a nucleus to safely store DNA and membrane-bound organelles; examples include animals, plants, fungi, and protozoa.

Prokaryotic Cells

Smaller and simpler cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; examples include bacteria and archaea.

Timeline of Life (Three Waves)

Life on Earth developed sequentially starting with Archaea (primitive microbes), followed by Bacteria (true single-celled microbes), and finally Eukaryotes (complex cells with organelles).

Endosymbiosis Theory

A theory explaining how simple cells evolved into complex eukaryotes when a large early cell swallowed smaller bacterial cells that eventually evolved into mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Mitochondria

Organelles evolved from swallowed bacteria that produce ATP/energy for the eukaryotic cell.

Chloroplasts

Organelles evolved from swallowed photosynthetic bacteria that allow the cell to perform photosynthesis.

Flagella (Eukaryotic)

Structures for cell movement that are 10x thicker than bacterial flagella, constructed of microtubules in a $9 + 2$ pattern, and move with a whip-like motion.

Cilia

Shorter, numerous structures featuring a $9 + 2$ microtubule structure that move in synchronized beats to aid in movement and gathering food particles.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that houses and protects the DNA.

Nuclear Envelope

The protective outer membrane surrounding the nucleus.

Nuclear Pores

Specialized openings in the nuclear envelope that allow RNA molecules to exit.

Nucleolus

The dense inner core of the nucleus responsible for creating ribosomes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A structure that transports and stores proteins, appearing "rough" due to attached ribosomes on its surface.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A structure free of ribosomes that synthesizes, stores, and transports lipids (fats) and carbohydrates.

Golgi Apparatus

The "Post Office" of the cell that modifies, sorts, and packages raw molecules received from the ER into cellular containers for shipping.

Lysosomes

The "Garbage Disposal" of the cell, filled with digestive chemicals to break down food, foreign invaders, and cellular waste.

Yeasts

Unicellular fungi that multiply through an asexual process called budding.

Budding

The process where a small bump forms on a yeast cell, DNA replicates, and a new yeast cell separates.

Molds

Multicellular fungi characterized by long, microscopic threads called hyphae.

Hyphae

Individual thread-like structures of mold that can be Septate (divided by walls) or Nonseptate (one continuous cell).

Mycelium

The visible, intertwined mass or colony formed by thousands of hyphae.

Saprobe

A specialized fungal decomposer that feeds strictly on dead or decaying matter.

Parasite (Fungal)

A fungus that feeds directly on a living host, causes physical harm, and consumes organic carbon.

Fungal Spores vs. Bacterial Endospores

Fungal spores are purely for reproduction and multiplication, whereas bacterial endospores are protective cocoons built strictly for survival.

Algae

Photosynthetic organisms containing chloroplasts that generate oxygen; they produce roughly 70% of the Earth's oxygen.

Red Tide

An overgrowth or "bloom" of red algae that floods water with toxins, which can cause neurological issues in humans who eat contaminated shellfish.

Protozoa

Always unicellular, heterotrophic organisms classified by how they move; they include the cause of Malaria.

Pseudopods

Fluid extensions of the cell body known as "False Feet," used for movement by amoebas.

Helminths

Multicellular parasitic worms with fully developed organs, protected by a tough outer coat called a cuticle.

Helminth Infection Cycle A

The route of infection where a host directly consumes or swallows worm eggs.

Helminth Infection Cycle B

The route of infection where active larvae burrow or penetrate directly through bare skin.

Helminth Infection Cycle C

The route of infection where a host eats larvae embedded inside undercooked meat.

Cestodes

A scientific group of flatworms, specifically tapeworms, which have a flattened, distinct segmented body.

Trematodes

A scientific group of flatworms, specifically flukes, which have a flattened, smooth unsegmented body.

Nematodes

A scientific group of roundworms with a long, cylindrical unsegmented body.