Cell Structure & Organelles Exam Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the exam review on cell structure and organelles.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus responsible for producing ribosome components.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle involved in processing and sorting proteins.

Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis; has rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (without ribosomes) forms.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins; can be free-floating or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Peroxisomes

Organelles responsible for detoxification and breaking down hydrogen peroxide.

Cytoskeleton

A structure that maintains cell shape and plays roles in cell movement and division.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus, which condenses to form chromosomes.

Cell wall

A rigid outer layer found in plant cells, providing structure and support.

Central vacuole

A large organelle in plant cells that stores water and maintains turgor pressure.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis.

Prokaryotic structures

Basic structures in prokaryotic cells such as capsules and nucleoid regions.

Tight junctions

Specialized connections between cells that prevent leakage of molecules.

Gap junctions

Communicating junctions that allow for the transfer of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells.

Desmosomes

Cell junctions that resist mechanical stress by anchoring adjacent cells together.

Plasmodesmata

Channels in plant cell walls that allow for transport and communication between cells.

Phospholipids

Molecules that form the basic structure of the plasma membrane, consisting of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Simple diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Facilitated diffusion

The process of transporting substances across a plasma membrane with the assistance of carrier proteins.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Active transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Passive transport

The movement of substances across a membrane without the use of energy.

Aquaporins

Channel proteins that facilitate water movement across cell membranes.

Microscopy

Techniques for magnifying small objects; includes light and electron microscopy.

Light microscope

Optical instrument that uses visible light to magnify specimens.

Electron microscope

Instrument that uses electrons to achieve much higher magnification than light microscopes.

Mitochondria

Organelles that generate ATP through cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts (Energy Conversion)

Organelles that convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Cell Theory

The scientific theory that describes the properties of cells and their role as the fundamental unit of life.

Hooke

A scientist known for coining the term 'cell' after observing cork under a microscope.

Schwann

A scientist who contributed to the development of cell theory, stating that all animals are made of cells.

Virchow

A scientist known for the principle that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

van Leeuwenhoek

A scientist known for his improvements to the microscope and his discoveries of microorganisms.