Cell Biology Introduction Flashcards

These flashcards cover the introductory concepts of cell biology, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, various cell organelles and their functions, and the endosymbiotic origins of certain organelles.

Unicellular

A term describing life forms that consist of a single cell.

Multicellular

A term describing life forms, such as animals, that consist of many cells.

Prokaryotic

A type of cell, such as bacteria, that is generally small, lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, and represents early life forms on Earth.

Eukaryotic

A type of cell that contains a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including animal and plant cells.

Domain Bacteria and Domain Archaea

The two domains of life that are composed entirely of prokaryotic organisms.

Organelles

General term for the small, compartmentalized structures or "subcellular parts" inside eukaryotic cells that segregate different functions.

Nucleoid region

The central location in a prokaryotic cell where the circular loop of DNA is located, which is not surrounded by a membrane.

Plasma membrane

The outer boundary of the cell that keeps the "outsides out and the insides in."

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like or watery matrix inside a cell where enzymes and chemicals come together to interact.

Ribosomes

Granular bodies responsible for protein synthesis; they are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cell wall

A structural material made of sugars found outside the plasma membrane in bacteria and plant cells providing protection and support.

Pili

Thin, hair-like structures that help bacteria hold onto surfaces.

Flagella

Long, whip-like tails used by cells for propulsion or swimming.

Capsule

A protective structure outside the cell wall of some bacteria that helps prevent them from drying out.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

The physical constraint that dictates cell size; cells must be small enough to move materials in and out efficiently.

Nuclear envelope

The specific membrane that surrounds the nucleus in eukaryotic cells.

Chromatin

The genetic material inside the nucleus consisting of DNA and any proteins that help the DNA function.

Peroxisome

A membrane-bound sphere that metabolizes waste by breaking down reactive chemicals build up inside cells.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A series of folded membranes studded with ribosomes, primarily responsible for protein synthesis.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A system of membranes without ribosomes that functions to make phospholipids and other membranes.

Cytoskeleton

A network of proteins that gives the cell its shape and provides internal support.

Lysosome

Often referred to as the cell's "garbage disposal," these organelles contain digestive enzymes and have a low pH to break down waste.

Golgi

A series of folded membranes named after Emilio Golgi that modifies proteins and potentially exports them out of the cell.

Mitochondria

The site of energy production in the cell where $ATP$ is generated; characterized by a "bag inside a bag" double-membrane structure.

Central vacuole

A large structure in plant cells filled with "cell sap" (water) that used for storage.

Chloroplast

The plant organelle where photosynthesis takes place, converting solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

ATP

The name of the energy currency for cells produced in the mitochondria.

Cilia

Thin, hair-like structures on cell surfaces that bend back and forth to help the cell move or sweep materials along.

Binary fission

The method by which bacteria, as well as mitochondria and chloroplasts, divide into two.

Symbiont Theory

The idea that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed by larger cells and maintained symbiotically.