Cell evolution/origin and features

Vocabulary flashcards covering key cell biology terms from the lecture notes.

The fluid-like substance inside the cell that holds organelles and hosts many biochemical reactions.

Cytoplasm

Small particles that synthesize proteins—their primary role in cells.

Ribosomes

Genetic material that provides instructions for cell function and protein production.

DNA

The lipid bilayer that encloses the cell and regulates entry and exit of substances.

Plasma membrane

A simple, small cell that lacks a nucleus; DNA resides in a nucleoid region and the cell often has a cell wall and glycocalyx.

Prokaryotic cell

A cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic cell

The region in prokaryotes where their DNA is located; not enclosed by a membrane.

Nucleoid

A rigid outer layer that provides protection and structure, common in many bacteria.

Cell wall

A sugar-rich coating outside the bacterial cell wall that helps with protection and moisture retention.

Glycocalyx

Hair-like appendages on bacteria used for attachment and DNA transfer between cells.

Pili

Short, hair-like structures used to move substances across the cell surface or aid movement.

Cilia

Long, whip-like appendages used for bacterial movement.

Flagella

Internal membranes (including nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi, lysosomes) involved in protein synthesis, processing, and transport.

Endomembrane system

ER studded with ribosomes; site of protein synthesis and initial folding.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

ER without ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

The cell's 'mailroom'; modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery.

Golgi apparatus

Powerhouse of the cell; site of ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation.

Mitochondria

The cell’s digestive compartment; breaks down macromolecules and misfolded proteins.

Lysosome

Membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that houses DNA.

Nucleus

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus that regulates traffic between nucleus and cytoplasm.

Nuclear envelope

Cellular 'skeleton' that provides structure, support, and aids in movement.

Cytoskeleton

Adenosine triphosphate; the energy currency produced mainly by mitochondria.

ATP

Process by which ATP is produced in mitochondria using electron transport and chemiosmosis.

Oxidative phosphorylation

The community of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) living in a particular environment, such as the gut.

Microbiome

An inflammatory disease of the intestinal lining; fecal transplants are used in some treatments.

Crohn’s disease

Transplanting stool

Transplanting stool from a healthy donor to restore a healthy gut bacterial population in a patient.