Cell Biology Review Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering cell membrane composition, transport types, organelles, and basic molecular biology based on the lecture notes.

Phospholipid bilayer

The structure of the cell membrane consisting of hydrophilic heads facing out and hydrophobic tails facing in.

Simple diffusion

The passive movement of small, nonpolar, and uncharged molecules, such as $O_2$, $CO_2$, and lipids, easily across the cell membrane.

Channel Proteins

Tunnel-like proteins that facilitate passive transport by moving substances down their concentration gradient without using ATP.

Carrier Proteins

Proteins that change shape to move substances across the membrane; they can function in either passive or active transport.

Pumps

Proteins that use ATP to move substances against their concentration gradient, such as the Sodium-Potassium Pump.

ATP synthase

A protein found in the mitochondria that spins like a turbine to produce ATP.

Passive Transport

Movement across the membrane that does not require ATP, including diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis.

Active Transport

Movement across the membrane that requires ATP, including protein pumps, endocytosis, and exocytosis.

Endocytosis

The process of taking substances into the cell.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis referred to as 'cell eating' used for large particles, like white blood cells eating bacteria.

Pinocytosis

A type of endocytosis referred to as 'cell drinking' used for liquids and dissolved substances.

Exocytosis

The process of releasing substances out of the cell by fusing a vesicle with the membrane, used for hormones and neurotransmitters.

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate; the energy currency of the cell used for active transport, muscle contraction, and protein synthesis.

DNA

Double-stranded instructions for making proteins found in the nucleus that does not leave the nucleus.

RNA

Single-stranded molecule made in the nucleus that travels to ribosomes; types include mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus responsible for making ribosomes.

Ribosomes

Non-membrane-bound organelles responsible for protein synthesis.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum involved in folding proteins destined for export or membranes.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.

Golgi Apparatus

Known as the 'Post office of the cell,' it modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.

Mitochondria

The site of cellular respiration and ATP production; it contains its own DNA.

Lysosomes

Organelles responsible for digestion and breaking down waste and old organelles.

Cytoskeleton

Provides shape, movement, and internal support to the cell.

Centrioles

Structures in animal cells involved in cell division.

Cell Wall

A rigid layer in plant cells made of cellulose that provides support and protection.

Chloroplast

A plant organelle containing chlorophyll used for photosynthesis.