General Biology 1 Cell Theory and Organelles

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering cell structure, cell theory history, organelles, cell division, and chromosome dynamics based on biology exam transcripts.

Robert Hooke

Scientist who first observed cork under a microscope, coined the term "cell", and is considered the English Father of Microscopy.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Dutch microscope maker known as the "Father of Microbiology" who pioneered the study of protozoa.

Matthias Schleiden

Scientist who proposed that all plants are made of cells.

Theodor Schwann

Scientist who concluded that all animals are composed of cells.

Rudolf Virchow

Scientist who proposed that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Robert Brown

Scientist who discovered the nucleus.

Louis Pasteur

Scientist who disproved spontaneous generation using the swan-neck flask experiment.

Spontaneous Generation

The idea that living organisms arise from nonliving matter.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in all living organisms.

Cell Theory

The theory stating that all living things are composed of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cell

A type of cell that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus.

Nucleus

Organelle that contains the cell's genetic material, controls cellular activities, and is central to cell reproduction and growth.

Mitochondrion

Organelle known as the "powerhouse of the cell" that is responsible for producing ATP (energy).

Ribosome

Organelle responsible for synthesizing proteins.

Chloroplast

Organelle found in plant cells that performs photosynthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle responsible for modifying and packaging proteins.

Lysosome

Organelle containing digestive enzymes.

Large Central Vacuole

Organelle that stores water in plant cells.

Smooth ER

Organelle responsible for making lipids.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum organelle covered with ribosomes.

Cytoskeleton

Cellular structure responsible for cell motility, strength, and structural support.

Cell Wall

Cellular part responsible for making plant cells tough and rigid upon maturity.

Cell Membrane

Selectively permeable outer barrier of the cell.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance inside the cell where organelles are suspended.

Interphase

The longest stage of the cell cycle.

S Phase

The phase of the cell cycle during which DNA is replicated and duplicated.

Mitosis

The type of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells.

Metaphase

Phase of mitosis during which chromosomes line up at the center of the cell.

Anaphase

Stage of mitosis during which sister chromatids separate.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis in which two new nuclei are formed.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.

Meiosis

The type of cell division that produces four haploid gametes.

Centromere

Part of a chromosome that holds sister chromatids together until they separate during cell division.

Nondisjunction

Cell division error involving homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids during meiosis that can result in chromosome abnormalities such as trisomy 21.

Apoptosis

A normal, programmed cell death process that helps maintain healthy tissues.