Cell Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cell structure and function, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Cell Theory

A fundamental principle stating that all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simpler and smaller cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically found in bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic Cells

More complex and larger cells found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists, featuring a true nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, housing DNA and coordinating activities like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles; large central vacuole in plant cells maintains turgor pressure.

Cytoskeleton

A structure that provides support, aids in cell division, and enables cell movement through microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.

Endomembrane System

A system involving organelles for synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins and lipids within the cell.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

A measure crucial for understanding cell size, where a higher ratio is advantageous for material exchange.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, including simple diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.

Active Transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Tonicity

The ability of a surrounding solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water, defined by isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.

Water Potential (𝚿)

A measure of the potential energy in water used to predict the direction of water movement.

Solute Potential (𝚿s)

The effect of solute concentration on water potential, always negative or zero as solutes lower water potential.

Pressure Potential (𝚿P)

The physical pressure exerted on or by the cell, often positive in plant cells due to turgor pressure.