Eukaryotic cells Transes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from a Microbiology & Parasitology lecture on Eukaryotes.

Last Common Ancestor (LCA)

The precursor from which bacteria and eukaryotes evolved; neither eukaryotic nor prokaryotic.

Endosymbiosis

The theory explaining the origin of organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts through bacterial/archaeal cells parasitizing a descendant of the LCA.

Multicellular organisms

Organisms that evolved when cells lost the ability to survive apart from the colony, exhibiting high levels of organization.

Protozoa

Always unicellular eukaryotic organisms.

Fungi and Algae

Eukaryotic organisms that may be unicellular or multicellular.

Helminths

Always multicellular eukaryotic organisms, though they may have unicellular egg or larval forms.

Glycocalyx

The outermost boundary of eukaryotic cells that comes into direct contact with the environment; also known as the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Nucleus

A compact sphere within eukaryotic cells where genetic information originates.

Nucleolus

The site for ribosomal RNA synthesis within the nucleus.

Chromatin

The material of eukaryotic chromosomes, composed of long, linear DNA molecules bound to histone proteins.

Mitosis

Production of somatic cells (not sex cells), resulting in 2 daughter cells.

Meiosis

Production of sex cells (gametes), resulting in 4 daughter cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A microscopic series of tunnels in eukaryotic cells used for transport and storage.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes attached to its surface, responsible for packaging and transport of proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum that does not contain ribosomes, involved in synthesis and storage of nonprotein molecules.

Golgi Apparatus

The site of protein modification and transport in eukaryotic cells; also known as the packaging house.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound sacs originating from the Golgi Apparatus that contain a variety of enzymes for intracellular digestion and protection against microorganisms.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound sacs in eukaryotic cells important for water retention, and containing fluids or solid particles to be digested, excreted, or stored.

Mitochondria

Energy generators of the cell.

Cristae

Folds on the inner membrane of mitochondria that hold the enzymes and electron carriers of aerobic respiration.

Matrix

The area within the inner membrane of mitochondria that holds ribosomes, DNA, enzymes, and other compounds used in metabolism.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that convert sunlight into chemical energy (photosynthesis).

Chlorophyll

The pigment of plants found in chloroplasts.

Ribosomes

Structures distributed throughout the cell that synthesize protein.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that functions in anchoring organelles, moving RNA and vesicles, and permitting shape changes and movement in the cell.

Mushrooms

Macroscopic fungi (colonies are seen)

Mold & Yeast

Microscopic fungi

Yeast Cell

Uses asexual reproduction (budding)

Hyphae

Long, threadlike cells found in filamentous or molds

Pseudohypha

Chain of yeast

Dimorphic

Some fungi can take either form dependent on growth conditions

Heterotrophic

Acquire nutrients from a wide variety of substances

Saprobes

Obtain substrates from dead plants and animals

Parasites

Live on the bodies of living animals or plants

Mycelium

The woven, intertwining mass of hyphae; makes up the body or colony of a mold

Septa

Cross walls dividing hyphae into segments

Spores

Fungal reproductive bodies

Sporangiospores

Formed by successive cleavages within a sporangium

Conidiospores / Conidia

Free spores not enclosed by a spore-bearing sac

Pathogenic Fungi

Community-acquired infections caused by environmental pathogens

Opportunistic Infections

Hospital-associated infections caused by fungal pathogens in clinical settings

Protists

Any eukaryotic unicellular or colonial organism that lacks true tissues

Algae

Group of photosynthetic organisms. Seaweed and kelp are the most recognizable

Chlorophyll

Responsible for the green pigment.

Plankton

Floating community of microscopic organisms

Protozoa

Single cells containing all major eukaryotic organelles except chloroplasts

Trophozoite

Motile feeding stage

Cyst

Dormant, resting stage

Parasite

Term used to denote protozoan and helminth pathogens

Cestodes

Thin, segmented body (tapeworms)

Trematodes

Thin, segmented body (flukes)

Roundworms (Nematodes)

Long, cylindrical, unsegmented body

Intermediate

The host in which larval development occurs

Definitive

Host in which adulthood and mating occur