Eukaryotic Cell – Structure and Function

These flashcards include key terms and definitions related to the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, particularly focusing on organelles and the cytoskeleton.

Mitochondria

Sites of cellular respiration in nearly all eukaryotic cells.

Chloroplasts

Sites of photosynthesis found in plants and algae.

Peroxisomes

Oxidative organelles that carry out oxidative reactions.

Cytoskeleton

Network of fibers that organizes structures and activities in the cell.

Microtubules

Thickest component of the cytoskeleton, composed of tubulin, involved in maintaining cell shape and organelle movement.

Microfilaments

Thinnest component of the cytoskeleton, made of actin, involved in muscle contraction and cell movement.

Intermediate Filaments

Fibrous proteins providing structural support and anchoring organelles.

Cristae

Infoldings of the inner mitochondrial membrane that increase surface area for ATP synthesis.

Stroma

Internal fluid of the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle occurs.

Thylakoids

Membranous sacs within chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Actin Filaments

Another term for microfilaments, critical for cell shape and movement.

Dynein

Motor protein that drives the bending movements of cilia and flagella.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that aid in cell movement and fluid movement in organisms.

Flagella

Long whip-like structures that enable swimming of cells, longer than cilia.

Tension-bearing elements

Structure provided by cytoskeletal components like microfilaments and intermediate filaments to support cells.

Cytoplasmic streaming

Circular flow of cytoplasm that facilitates material distribution within cells.