Cell Structure and Function Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell types, subcellular structures, and cellular functions grounded in the lecture transcript.

Cell

The basic building block of life and the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently.

Multicellular

Organisms, such as animals and plants, that consist of many cells.

Subcellular structures

The individual parts that make up a cell, also referred to as organelles.

Cell membrane

A structure surrounding the cell that controls which substances can pass in and out.

Nucleus

A subcellular structure containing the genetic material or DNA of the cell that controls its activities.

Cytoplasm

A gel-like substance where subcellular structures sit and where chemical reactions take place inside the cell.

Mitochondria

Subcellular structures that provide cells with energy by breaking down sugars like glucose through aerobic respiration.

Aerobic respiration

The process of breaking down sugars like glucose inside mitochondria to release energy that the cell can use.

Ribosomes

Subcellular structures that serve as the site of protein synthesis.

Cell wall

A rigid layer surrounding plant cells made of cellulose that provides support and structure to prevent bursting.

Cellulose

A strong material that makes up the rigid cell wall in plant cells.

Permanent vacuole

A large sac found in plant cells that contains cell sap.

Cell sap

A mixture of sugars, salts, and water contained inside the permanent vacuole of a plant cell.

Chloroplasts

Subcellular structures in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Chlorophyll

A green substance inside chloroplasts that absorbs light energy needed for photosynthesis and gives leaves their green color.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use energy from the sun to make sugars like glucose.

Unicellular

An organism consisting of a single cell, such as a bacterium.

Circular chromosome

A single circular strand of DNA floating freely in the cytoplasm of bacterial cells that contains genes required for survival and reproduction.

Plasmids

Small extra rings of DNA found in some bacteria that carry non-essential genes, such as antibiotic resistance.

Flagella

Thread-like structures protruding from bacteria that rotate to propel the organism.