Biology Lecture Notes: Cell Structure and Function

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cell structure, function, and processes.

Cell

The simplest collection of matter that can live.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that do not contain a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and have DNA concentrated in a nucleoid.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains most of the cell's genetic material.

Plasma Membrane

The boundary that separates the living cell from its surroundings, exhibiting selective permeability.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in the synthesis of lipids and proteins; can be rough (with ribosomes) or smooth (without ribosomes).

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Lysosome

A membranous sac of hydrolytic enzymes that can digest macromolecules.

Mitochondria

Organelles in eukaryotic cells that are the sites of cellular respiration, generating ATP.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells and algae that are the sites of photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers extending throughout the cytoplasm, involved in maintaining cell shape and facilitating movement.

Microtubules

Hollow rods that are the thickest components of the cytoskeleton, involved in cell shape and organelle movement.

Microfilaments (Actin Filaments)

Solid rods that thicken the cytoskeleton and are involved in cellular movement and maintaining shape.

Intermediate Filaments

Fibrous proteins that support cell shape and anchor organelles.

ECM (Extracellular Matrix)

A complex of proteins and carbohydrates that provide structural support to cells in animal tissues.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells take in large molecules by forming vesicles.

Exocytosis

The process by which cells expel material in vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane.

Phagocytosis

A form of endocytosis where the cell engulfs solid particles.

Pinocytosis

A form of endocytosis where the cell engulfs liquids and small molecules.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Endocytosis triggered by the binding of ligands to receptors on the cell surface.

Tight Junctions

Specialized connections between animal cells that prevent leakage of substances.

Gap Junctions

Channels that allow for communication between adjacent animal cells.

Desmosomes

Anchoring junctions that fasten cells together into strong sheets.