Introduction to Cell Types and Structures

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering plant, animal, and bacterial cell structures, functions, and key biological equations.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that have a nucleus, such as plant and animal cells.

Prokaryotic cells

Simple cells that do not have a nucleus, such as bacterial cells.

Cell Wall (Plant)

Strong outer layer made of cellulose that supports and protects the cell.

Cell Membrane

Thin, flexible barrier that controls what enters and leaves the cell and maintains homeostasis.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance where chemical reactions happen and organelles are suspended.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that contains DNA and directs activities like growth and reproduction.

Vacuole (Plant)

Large storage sac for water and nutrients that helps maintain turgor pressure (rigidity) to keep the plant firm.

Chloroplasts

Organelles containing chlorophyll used for photosynthesis to convert sunlight into food (glucose).

Photosynthesis equation

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{Light Energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell that produces energy (ATP) through respiration.

Respiration equation

$$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP$$

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

A network of membranes studded with ribosomes that synthesizes and transports proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Part of the endoplasmic reticulum involved in making fats (lipids) and removing toxins.

Ribosomes

Tiny structures that build proteins by reading instructions from DNA.

Golgi Apparatus

The packaging and shipping center that modifies, sorts, and transports proteins and lipids.

Lysosome

Sacs containing digestive enzymes that break down waste, old cell parts, and foreign invaders.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments and fibers that gives the cell shape, aids in movement, and helps transport materials.

Nucleoid Region

The area in a bacterial cell where the circular DNA chromosome is located, lacking a surrounding membrane.

Plasmid

Small, circular pieces of extra DNA in bacteria that often carry genes for antibiotic resistance.

Capsule/Slime Layer

An outer protective coating in some bacteria that helps them stick to surfaces or evade immune responses.

Flagellum

A long, whip-like tail structure used by cells (especially bacteria) for movement.

Pili

Hair-like appendages on bacteria used for attachment to surfaces and the transfer of DNA between cells.

Cell Wall (Bacteria)

A protective outer layer usually made of peptidoglycan that gives the bacterium its shape and prevents bursting.

Cellulose

The tough material that makes up the cell wall in plant cells.

Peptidoglycan

The material that makes up the cell wall in bacterial cells.

Turgor pressure

The internal pressure in plant cells created by the vacuole to keep the plant rigid and standing tall.