Cell Structure and Function Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell organelles, membrane transport, nuclear components, and the cytoskeleton based on the lecture material.

Plasma Membrane

Structure: Thin, flexible layer around the cell. Function: Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Phospholipid

Structure: Has a water-loving head and water-fearing tails. Function: Makes up the main layer of the cell membrane.

Glycoprotein

Structure: Protein with a carbohydrate attached. Function: Helps cells recognize and communicate.

Transport Proteins

Structure: Proteins that go through the membrane. Function: Move materials into or out of the cell.

Cholesterol

Structure: Small lipid molecules between phospholipids. Function: Keeps the membrane stable and flexible.

Nucleus

Structure: Large organelle surrounded by a membrane. Function: Stores DNA and separates it from cytoplasm.

Nuclear Envelope

Structure: Double membrane around the nucleus. Function: Protects DNA and separates it from cytoplasm.

Nuclear Pores

Structure: Tiny openings in the nuclear envelope. Function: Let materials enter and leave the nucleus.

Chromosomes

Structure: Condensed, tightly packed DNA. Function: Carry genetic information.

Chromatin

Structure: Loose DNA wrapped around proteins. Function: Organizes DNA inside the nucleus.

mRNA

Structure: Single-stranded RNA copy of DNA instructions. Function: Carries instructions from DNA to ribosomes.

DNA

Structure: Double-stranded molecule shaped like a twisted ladder. Function: Stores genetic instructions.

Nucleolus

Structure: Dense area inside the nucleus. Function: Makes parts of ribosomes.

Free Ribosomes

Structure: Ribosomes floating in the cytoplasm. Function: Make proteins used inside the cell.

Attached Ribosomes

Structure: Ribosomes attached to rough ER. Function: Make proteins that leave the cell or enter membranes.

Rough ER

Structure: Membrane network covered with ribosomes. Function: Makes and transports proteins.

Smooth ER

Structure: Membrane network without ribosomes. Function: Makes lipids and helps detoxify substances.

Golgi Apparatus

Structure: Stacks of flattened membrane sacs. Function: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

Vesicles

Structure: Small membrane-covered sacs. Function: Transport materials around the cell.

Lysosomes

Structure: Small sacs filled with digestive enzymes. Function: Break down waste and old cell parts.

Peroxisomes

Structure: Small sacs containing enzymes. Function: Break down fatty acids and harmful substances.

Vacuoles

Structure: Membrane-bound storage sacs. Function: Store water, food, and waste.

Cell Wall

Structure: Strong outer layer outside the cell membrane. Function: Supports and protects the cell.

Mitochondria

Structure: Organelles with two membranes. Function: Make ATP/energy for the cell.

Matrix

Structure: Fluid-filled spaces inside mitochondria. Function: Where parts of cellular respiration occur.

Cristae

Structure: Folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Function: Increase surface area to make ATP.

mtDNA

Structure: DNA found inside mitochondria. Function: Contains some instructions for mitochondrial functions.

Plastids

Structure: Plant cell organelles surrounded by membranes. Function: Perform jobs such as photosynthesis or storage.

Chloroplast

Structure: Green plastid containing chlorophyll. Function: Uses sunlight to make food.

Thylakoids / Grana

Structure: Flattened membrane sacs; grana are stacks of thylakoids. Function: Capture light energy during photosynthesis.

Stroma

Structure: Fluid surrounding the thylakoids. Function: Where the rest of photosynthesis occurs.

Cytoskeleton

Structure: Network of protein fibers. Function: Gives the cell shape and helps movement.

Centrioles

Structure: Small cylinders made of microtubules. Function: Help organize cell division.

Microtubules

Structure: Thick, hollow protein tubes. Function: Help with cell shape, movement, and chromosome movement.

Microfilaments

Structure: Thin protein fibers. Function: Help with cell shape and movement.

Intermediate Filaments

Structure: Strong, rope-like protein fibers. Function: Strengthen and support the cell.

Pseudopod

Structure: Temporary extension of cell membrane/cytoplasm. Function: Helps the cell move and capture food.

Cilia

Structure: Many short, hair-like structures. Function: Move the cell or substances across its surface.

Flagella

Structure: One or a few long, whip-like structures. Function: Move the cell through its environment.