Cells and Microscopes Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell theory, historical figures, cellular measurements, and the functions of various organelles found in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cell Theory

1. All living things are made up of one or more cells. 2. Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. 3. New cells are produced from old cells.

Micrometre ($\mu m$)

The unit of measurement for cells, where $1\,mm = 1000\,\mu m$.

Unicellular organisms

Living things made of only one cell, such as bacteria.

Multicellular organisms

Living things made of many cells, such as humans.

Organelles

Smaller structures within a cell that each serve a specific function or purpose to help the cell function overall.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack membrane-bound organelles and contain free-floating DNA that is not held in a nucleus.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that contain membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus.

Membrane-bound organelle

A cell organelle that has a specialised function and is enclosed in a membrane, such as the nucleus or mitochondria.

Cell membrane

A structure that controls what enters and exits the cell, separating the internal and external environments.

Cell wall

A structure that provides support to plant cells, giving them a more rectangular shape.

Cytoplasm

The combination of organelles inside a cell and the fluid they are carried in.

Cytosol

The jelly-like fluid substance inside a cell that holds structures in place and transports items around the cell.

Nucleus

The 'control centre' of the cell which contains genetic material ($\text{DNA}$) and the nucleolus.

Ribosomes

The site of protein synthesis where instructions from $\text{DNA}$ are used to form chains of amino acids.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant cells that is the site of photosynthesis and contains the green pigment chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment in chloroplasts that captures sunlight to create glucose for plant cells.

Mitochondria

Known as the 'powerhouse of the cell,' it is the site of cellular respiration where glucose is converted into $ATP$ energy.

Vacuole

A storage unit for materials such as waste, water, and nutrients

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum responsible for lipid (fat) synthesis.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum with attached ribosomes that is responsible for protein synthesis and packaging.

Golgi body/apparatus

An organelle that modifies proteins before transporting them to their destination.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing enzymes that break down cellular waste products and bacteria.

Vacuole Differences

Large in plant cells and smaller/multiple in animal cells.