Overview of Cell Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on cell biology, including definitions and important terms.

Cell Theory

States that cells are generated only from pre-existing cells and that they are the building blocks of all living tissues.

Prokaryote

Small, single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus.

Eukaryote

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Lysosome

An organelle that acts as the waste disposal system of the cell, breaking down food and waste.

Mitochondria

The organelle known as the power plant of the cell, responsible for generating ATP through cellular respiration.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that synthesizes proteins and lipids; consists of rough (RER) and smooth (SER) types.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle often referred to as the post office of the cell, involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins.

Microscope

An essential tool used to magnify and resolve details of cells and cellular structures.

Chloroplast

The organelle within plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy.

Cytoskeleton

The structural framework of the cell that enables cellular movement and organization.

Model Organisms

Species used in scientific research to understand biological processes; examples include E. coli, yeast, and fruit flies.

Cell Culture

The process of growing cells in a laboratory environment to study behavior, drug responses, and other characteristics.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

A type of microscope that uses a beam of electrons to obtain highly magnified images of specimens.

Confocal Microscopy

A specialized type of fluorescence microscopy that builds images by scanning a specimen with a laser.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; a molecule essential for many biological roles, including coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.