Cell Biology Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the basic concepts, key scientists, structures, and definitions from the lecture notes on cell biology.

Cell

The fundamental, basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, and the smallest unit of life.

Robert Hooke

The scientist who first discovered cells in 1665 by observing a cork slice with a primitive microscope.

Leeuwenhoek

The scientist who in 1674 discovered free-living cells in pond water for the first time using an improved microscope.

Robert Brown

The scientist who discovered the nucleus in the cell in 1831.

Purkinje

The scientist who in 1839 coined the term 'protoplasm' for the fluid substance of the cell.

Cell theory

The biological concept presented by Schleiden (1838) and Schwann (1839) stating that all plants and animals are composed of cells and that the cell is the basic unit of life.

Virchow

The biologist who expanded the cell theory in 1855 by suggesting that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Plasma membrane

A thin, selectively permeable layer surrounding the cytoplasm of all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that acts as a barrier or gatekeeper.

Nuclear membrane

A double-layered covering of the nucleus containing pores that allow the transfer of material between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Chromosomes

Rod-shaped structures composed of DNA and protein, visible only when a cell is about to divide, carrying information for inheritance from parents to the next generation.

DNA (Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid)

Molecules containing information necessary for constructing and organizing cells and carrying inherited characteristics.

Genes

Functional segments of DNA.

Chromatin material

An entangled mass of thread-like structures containing DNA present in a cell that is not dividing, which organizes into chromosomes when the cell prepares to divide.

Nucleoid

An undefined nuclear region containing only nucleic acids, found in organisms like bacteria due to the absence of a nuclear membrane.

Prokaryotes

Organisms whose cells lack a nuclear membrane and most cytoplasmic organelles, characterized as small and simple without a true nucleus.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells possess a nuclear membrane and a true nucleus, characterized as large and complex.

Membranous vesicles

Bag-like structures in photosynthetic prokaryotic bacteria associated with chlorophyll instead of plastids.

Cell Wall

A rigid, protective layer surrounding the cell membrane in certain cells that provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and protects against mechanical stress and osmotic pressure.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide of glucose that constitutes the main composition of plant cell walls.