Cell Structure and Function

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to cell structure and function.

Cell Membrane

The structure that surrounds the cytoplasm and organelles of the cell, made of a phospholipid bilayer, regulating the movement of materials in and out of the cell.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles; small and numerous in plant cells, typically one large central vacuole for storage of water.

Golgi Apparatus

A folded membrane structure that receives vesicles of protein from the ER, processes them, sorts, and ships proteins where needed.

Lysosomes

Structures that contain enzymes to break down dead material in animal cells and can perform programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Ribosomes

Made of proteins and RNA, located on the Rough ER and in the cytoplasm; their job is to make proteins.

Cell Wall

An outer layer found in plant cells, fungi, bacteria, and some protists that supports, protects, and maintains cell shape.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance made up of water that holds everything in place within the cell.

Chloroplast

Structures found in plant cells that convert light energy into chemical energy by converting water and carbon dioxide into simple sugars.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell, where cellular respiration occurs, breaking down food to release energy as ATP.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell, produced during cellular respiration in the mitochondria.