chapter 3

Electron Microscopy

A technique that includes scanning and transmission methods to study cell surfaces and internal structures in detail.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell containing most of the cell's DNA and directing protein synthesis.

Ribosomes

Cell organelles involved in protein synthesis, produced from rRNA in the nucleolus.

Endomembrane System

A network of membranes including the nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, and plasma membrane.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes on its surface, involved in protein synthesis and membrane production.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum lacking ribosomes, important in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that processes, sorts, and ships cell products, receiving and shipping them in transport vesicles.

Lysosome

Membranous sac containing digestive enzymes, originating from the Golgi apparatus and involved in cellular digestion.

Peroxisome

Organelle involved in breaking down reactive oxygen species, lipid metabolism, and detoxification.

Vacuole

Sac-like structure in eukaryotes, mainly in plants, storing materials, maintaining turgor pressure, and storing waste products.

Mitochondria

Organelles carrying out cellular respiration, with internal compartments like the intermembrane space and mitochondrial matrix.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in photosynthesizing eukaryotes, containing stroma, thylakoids, and chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein fibers in cells providing structure, motility, and cellular regulation.

Cilia and Flagella

Cell appendages for movement, with cilia moving like oars and flagella propelling cells by undulating motion.

Extracellular Matrix

Functions in support and regulation in animal cells, connecting to integrins and the cytoskeleton.

Cell Junctions

Tight junctions, anchoring junctions, and gap junctions that prevent leakage, fasten cells, and allow molecule flow between cells.

Cell Walls

Enclose and support plant cells, primarily composed of cellulose and containing plasmodesmata for cell communication.