Cell Structure and Function

Vocabulary-style practice flashcards covering cell types, organelle functions, and cellular structures based on the provided lesson notes.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles, having emerged approximately $4$ billion years ago.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, appearing approximately $1$ billion years ago.

Cocci

Spherical or round-shaped prokaryotic cells.

Bacillus

Rod-shaped prokaryotic cells, also referred to as bacilli.

Spirilla

Helical or spiral-shaped prokaryotic cells.

Nucleoid

A nucleus-like region in a prokaryotic cell where the genetic material is kept.

Plasmid

A small molecule of DNA in a prokaryotic cell that can reproduce independently.

Plasma Membrane

A semipermeable lipid bilayer found in all cells that separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment and regulates material transport.

Phospholipids

The specific type of lipids that make up the bilipid membrane of the cell.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like fluid inside the cell that serves as the medium for chemical reactions and provides a platform for organelles.

Nucleus

The organelle responsible for storing the cell's DNA, maintaining its integrity, and facilitating transcription and replication.

Nucleolus

The structure within the nucleus that produces ribosomal subunits from proteins and ribosomal RNA.

Ribosomes

Intercellular structures made of RNA and protein that serve as the site of protein synthesis by translating mRNA into amino acid chains.

Mitochondria

Organelles that perform oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATP, the primary energy source for biochemical processes.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that sequester oxidative reactions and play roles in metabolism, signaling, and reactive oxygen species detoxification.

Vesicles

Structures that transport survival materials, recycle waste, and absorb toxic substances or pathogens.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle that produces proteins for the cell; it can be classified as rough (with ribosomes) or smooth (without ribosomes).

Golgi Apparatus

Also called the Golgi complex, it processes and sorts proteins from the ER for transport to lysosomes, the plasma membrane, or secretion.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound terminal catabolic stations that rid cells of waste products and scavenge metabolic building blocks.

Cytoskeleton

A structure that helps cells maintain shape and internal organization while providing mechanical support for division and movement.

Microfilaments

Also known as actin filaments, these are the smallest filaments of the cytoskeleton and consist of two intertwined strands of the protein actin.

Microtubules

Part of the cytoskeleton network that regulates cell growth, movement, and key signaling events.

Centrosome

The primary microtubule-organizing centre (MTOC) in animal cells that regulates motility and facilitates spindle pole organization during mitosis.

Cell Wall

A structure in plant cells that provides tensile strength and protection while allowing the development of turgor pressure.

Chloroplast

Plant cell organelles containing chlorophylls that convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Central Vacuole

A large, water-filled organelle in plants that acts as a reservoir, waste dump, and storage region.