Cell Structure and Functions

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Vocabulary flashcards covering major organelles, cellular structures, and key concepts from the lecture on cell structure and functions.

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43 Terms

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Plasma Membrane

Selective, phospholipid-bilayer boundary that encloses cell contents and regulates substance movement in and out of the cell.

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Phospholipid Bilayer

Double layer of amphipathic phospholipids with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward; basic framework of cell membranes.

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Nucleus

Membrane-bound control center of eukaryotic cells that houses DNA and directs activities like protein synthesis and cell division.

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Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus, containing pores that control exchange between nucleus and cytoplasm.

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Nucleolus

Dense nuclear region where rRNA is transcribed and ribosome subunits are assembled.

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Chromatin

Complex of DNA and histone proteins within the nucleus that condenses into chromosomes during cell division.

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Hereditary molecule composed of A, T, C, and G bases; stores the genetic blueprint of an organism.

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Mitochondria

Double-membraned, semi-autonomous organelles that perform aerobic respiration and produce ATP; the cell’s “powerhouse.”

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Cristae

Folded inner membranes of mitochondria that increase surface area for ATP-generating reactions.

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Matrix

Fluid interior of mitochondria containing enzymes, ribosomes, and mitochondrial DNA.

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ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Primary energy carrier of the cell, storing energy in high-energy phosphate bonds.

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Ribosome

RNA-protein particle that translates mRNA into polypeptides; exists free in cytosol or bound to rough ER.

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Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Interconnected network of membrane-bound cisternae continuous with the nuclear envelope; subdivided into rough and smooth regions.

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Rough ER

Region of ER studded with ribosomes; synthesizes and begins modification of proteins destined for secretion or membranes.

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Smooth ER

Region of ER lacking ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and carbohydrates and performs detoxification.

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Vacuole

Membrane-bound sac that stores water, enzymes, wastes, or nutrients and helps maintain turgor pressure and pH.

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Cytoskeleton

Network of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments that supports cell shape and enables internal movement.

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Microtubules

Hollow tubes (~25 nm) of tubulin that form tracks for organelle movement and the mitotic spindle.

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Microfilaments (Actin Filaments)

Thin actin strands (~8 nm) involved in muscle contraction, cell motility, and cytoplasmic streaming.

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Intermediate Filaments

Rope-like fibers (~10 nm) providing tensile strength and anchoring organelles within the cell.

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Plastid

Semi-autonomous, membrane-bound organelle in plants/algae involved in photosynthesis, pigment storage, or food storage.

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Chloroplast

Green plastid containing chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis in plants and algae.

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Chromoplast

Plastid rich in carotenoid pigments that synthesize and store red, orange, or yellow pigments.

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Gerontoplast

Plastid formed from chloroplasts during leaf senescence; salvages nutrients as cells age.

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Leucoplast

Colorless plastid specialized for storage of starch (amyloplast), lipids (elaioplast), or proteins (proteinoplast).

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Centriole

Cylindrical bundle of microtubule triplets that organizes spindle fibers during eukaryotic cell division.

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Mitotic Spindle

Microtubule apparatus that attaches to chromosomes and separates them during mitosis and meiosis.

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Lysosome

Single-membrane vesicle containing hydrolytic enzymes that digest macromolecules and recycle cellular components.

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Golgi Apparatus

Stack of flattened, membrane-bound cisternae that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids from the ER.

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Cell Wall

Rigid layer outside the plasma membrane that protects, supports, and acts as a filter; made of cellulose in plants, peptidoglycan in bacteria, or chitin in fungi.

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Cellulose

Structural polysaccharide forming microfibrils in plant cell walls.

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Peptidoglycan

Cross-linked polymer of sugars and amino acids that forms the bacterial cell wall.

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Cytoplasm

Cellular region between the plasma membrane and nucleus comprising cytosol and suspended organelles where many metabolic reactions occur.

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Cytosol

The aqueous portion of the cytoplasm in which ions, proteins, and organelles are suspended.

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Cilia

Short, numerous, microtubule-based projections that beat rhythmically to move cells or fluids past cell surfaces.

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Flagella

Long, whip-like microtubule structures that propel cells or generate water currents.

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Prokaryote

Single-celled organism lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; includes Bacteria and Archaea.

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Eukaryote

Organism whose cells possess a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; includes animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

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Binary Fission

Asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where the cell replicates its DNA and divides into two genetically identical cells.

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Mitosis

Eukaryotic nuclear division producing two genetically identical diploid daughter cells.

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Meiosis

Two-stage nuclear division in germ cells producing four genetically unique haploid gametes.

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Semi-autonomous Organelle

Organelle containing its own DNA and ribosomes, allowing limited self-replication (e.g., mitochondria, plastids).

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Nucleoid

Irregularly shaped region in a prokaryotic cell where the circular DNA chromosome is located.