Cell Organelles

This set of flashcards provides definitions and explanations of key terms related to cell organelles and their functions.

Organelle

A 'little organ' found only inside eukaryotic cells.

Cytosol

The fluid substance that fills the spaces between organelles in a cell.

Cytoplasm

Everything in a cell except the nucleus.

Cell Membrane

The boundary of the cell made of a phospholipid bilayer.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that makes up the cell membrane.

Integral Protein

Proteins that span the membrane; involved in transport and communication.

Peripheral Protein

Proteins located on the inside or outside surfaces of the membrane.

Nucleus

Control center of the cell that contains DNA.

Double Membrane

Two lipid bilayers that surround the nucleus.

Cytoskeleton

A network of filaments that provides shape and structure to the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network connected to the nuclear membrane; involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes that makes proteins.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes that synthesizes lipids.

Ribosome

The site of protein synthesis; can be free or attached to rough ER.

Nucleolus

A part of the nucleus where ribosomes are produced.

Golgi Apparatus

The organelle that stores, modifies, and packages proteins.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs that transport molecules to and from the Golgi.

Lysosomes

The garbage disposal of the cell that contains digestive enzymes.

Mitochondria

Referred to as the powerhouse of the cell where cellular respiration occurs.

Chloroplast

An organelle found only in plant cells involved in food (glucose) production.

Cell Wall

A rigid, protective barrier found in plant and bacterial cells, made of cellulose.

Vacuoles

Storage containers in cells for water, food, and waste; larger in plant cells.

Centriole

An organelle that aids in cell division, usually found in animal cells.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The theory proposing that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from free-living bacteria.

Lynn Margulis

The scientist who popularized the endosymbiotic theory.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simpler cells without a nucleus, from which eukaryotic cells evolved.

Eukaryotic Cells

More complex cells that contain organelles and a nucleus.

Cellular Respiration

The process that occurs in mitochondria to release energy for the cell.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in chloroplasts that is crucial for photosynthesis.

Microtubules

Filaments that make up part of the cytoskeleton and are involved in cell shape and division.

Cell Membrane Function

Holds the cell together and regulates the movement of substances in and out.

Protein Synthesis

The process of forming proteins, primarily occurring at ribosomes.

Digestion in Cells

The breakdown of waste by lysosomes using digestive enzymes.

Transport Vesicles

Vesicles that transport substances within or out of the cell.

Plant vs. Animal Cells

Plant cells have cell walls and chloroplasts; animal cells do not.