BIOL 107 Topic 5: Eukaryotic Cell Exteriors

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the eukaryotic cell exteriors as discussed in the lecture notes.

Plasma membrane

The boundary between the inside and outside of a cell.

Diatoms

Unicellular microalgae with a unique silica-based cell wall known as a frustule.

Fungi cell wall

Contains chitin, similar to the exoskeletons of arthropods, and provides structure and shape to fungal cells.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

A complex network of proteins and carbohydrates outside of animal cells that provides structural support.

Collagen

The most abundant protein in mammals, crucial for the strength of the extracellular matrix.

Desmosomes

Cell structures that provide strong mechanical adhesion between adjacent cells.

Cilia

Hair-like structures on the surface of cells that can be motile or non-motile and are involved in movement and sensing.

Plant cell wall

A protective and supportive outer structure of plant cells made primarily of cellulose.

Cellulose

The most abundant polymer on Earth, serving as a primary structural component of plant cell walls.

Plasmodesmata

Tube-like channels in plant cells that facilitate intercellular communication.

Hemicellulose

A heterogeneous group of polysaccharides that serve as a filler in plant cell walls.

Chitin

A structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi and the exoskeletons of arthropods.

Fibronectin

A glycoprotein that helps attach the components of the extracellular matrix to integrins in the plasma membrane.

Beta-glucans

Polysaccharides consisting of glucose that provide structural support in fungal cell walls.

Proteoglycans

Proteins that are heavily glycosylated and found in the extracellular matrix, contributing to its structure and functionality.