Elijah McCloud Cell Structure

Plasma membrane

The selectively permeable membrane surrounding the cell, controlling the entry and exit of substances.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance within a cell, excluding the nucleus, containing organelles and cytosolic fluids.

DNA

The genetic material of all living organisms, storing instructions for cell growth, function, and reproduction.

Prokaryote

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).

Eukaryote

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

80S ribosomes

Ribosomes found in eukaryotic cells, responsible for protein synthesis, composed of 60S and 40S subunits.

70S ribosomes

Ribosomes found in prokaryotic cells, mitochondria, and chloroplasts, smaller than 80S ribosomes.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells containing genetic material (DNA).

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration, known as the powerhouse of the cell.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism despite changes in external conditions.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions within a cell or organism that enables life processes like energy production.

Nutrition

The process by which organisms take in and utilize food and nutrients for energy and growth.

Excretion

The removal of metabolic waste products from an organism.

Growth

The increase in size and mass of an organism or its cells.

Response to stimuli

The ability of an organism or cell to respond to external environmental changes.

Reproduction

The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

Cell wall

A rigid layer surrounding the cells of plants, fungi, and some prokaryotes, providing structural support.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures used for cell movement in certain cells (e.g., bacteria, sperm cells).

Plastid

Organelles found in plant cells involved in the synthesis and storage of food (e.g., chloroplasts).

Vacuole

Large membrane-bound organelle in plant cells, storing nutrients, waste products, and maintaining turgor pressure.

Centriole

A cylindrical organelle involved in cell division, forming spindle fibers in mitosis and meiosis.

Undulipodia

A whip-like appendage (like a cilium or flagellum) used by some cells for movement.

Red blood cells

Cells in the blood that transport oxygen via hemoglobin, lacking a nucleus in mammals.

Phloem

Vascular tissue in plants that transports organic nutrients, especially sugar, from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Sieve tubes

Elongated, tube-like structures in phloem composed of sieve elements that facilitate transport of nutrients.

Coenocyte

A type of cell or organism that has multiple nuclei sharing a common cytoplasm without internal cell divisions.

Hyphae

Long, branching filamentous structures in fungi that collectively form the mycelium.

Aseptate

Refers to hyphae that lack septa (cross walls), creating a multinucleated, continuous cytoplasm.

Rough ER

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis and modification.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.

Golgi apparatus

Organelle responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or internal use.

Chloroplast

Organelles in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll.

Vesicle

Small membrane-bound sacs that transport and store substances within a cell.

Microtubule

Cytoskeletal components that help maintain cell shape, enable intracellular transport, and are involved in cell division.

Lysosome

Organelles containing enzymes that digest cellular waste, foreign substances, and worn-out organelles.

Cytoskeleton

The network of protein filaments and tubules that provide structural support and facilitate movement within the cell.

Cilia

Hair-like structures on the cell surface that move fluid or the cell itself.

Flagella

Same as "flagella" (previously defined), whip-like appendages used for movement