cell types

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, more complex than prokaryotic cells.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including bacteria and archaea.

Cell wall

A rigid outer layer found in bacterial and fungal cells, providing structure and protection.

Chitin

A polysaccharide that forms the cell wall of fungi.

Photoautotrophic

Organisms that produce their own food using light energy, such as plants and algae.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

An organelle in eukaryotic cells involved in protein and lipid synthesis; can be rough (with ribosomes) or smooth (without ribosomes).

Golgi apparatus

An organelle responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or use within the cell.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins from amino acids by reading mRNA.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that contain enzymes for breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers within the cell that provides structure, shape, and facilitates movement.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA and regulates gene expression.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)

A type of endoplasmic reticulum that synthesizes lipids and detoxifies certain chemicals.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures that protrude from the surface of some eukaryotic cells, aiding in movement.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that enable some cells to swim.

Glycocalyx

A thick carb-rich layer surrounding the cell membrane that aids in protection and cell recognition.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that makes up the cell wall of many bacteria, providing structural support.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that have thick peptidoglycan layers in their cell wall, which retain the crystal violet stain.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, which do not retain the crystal violet stain.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA at the ribosome.

Transcription

The process of reading DNA to produce mRNA.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell that contains organelles and is where many metabolic reactions occur.

Nucleoplasm

The viscous fluid inside the nucleus containing chromatin and nucleolus.