Cell Biology and Levels of Organization Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular organelles, levels of biological organization, cellular functions, and genetic concepts from the lecture material.

Prokaryote

A simple cell with no membrane-bound organelles that possesses circular DNA and lacks a surrounding membrane for its genetic material, such as bacteria.

Eukaryote

Complex cells with membrane-bound organelles, such as plant and animal cells.

Cellular Differentiation

The biological reason why specialized cells (like nerve and muscle cells) look and function differently: each cell type only reads specific sections or chapters of the DNA that pertain to its job.

Ribosomes ('Town' Analogy)

Represented as the 'Farm' in the 'Town' analogy for cell organelles; responsible for producing proteins needed for cell functions.

Mitochondria

An organelle that breaks down food to make ATP; if it stops functioning, the cell loses its main source of chemical energy.

Cell Membrane

A protective, semi-permeable barrier enclosing the cell that maintains homeostasis by controlling the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Chloroplast

The site of photosynthesis in a cell.

Nucleus

Organelle that directs cell activities and contains DNA.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that gives support to the plant cell and serves as its outermost structure.

DNA

The genetic code of an organism.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes that process lipids and proteins.

Ribosome

An organelle where proteins are made.

Cell

The basic unit of all living things.

Tissue

A group of cells working together.

Organ

A group of tissues that work together, such as the stomach.

Organ System

A group of different organs that work together.

Organism

Any living thing.

Organelle

A specific cell part.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technology used to compare DNA samples.