cells 3: differences in eukaryotic Cells

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the differences in eukaryotic cells, their structures, functions, and the processes involved in cell specialization.

Centrioles

A pair of organelles found in animal cells that form the centrosome and help grow spindle fibers during cell division.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures made of microtubules that move substances along cell surfaces.

Flagella

Longer, whip-like structures made of microtubules used for the motility of some cells such as sperm.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Plastids

Group of organelles that include chloroplasts, leucoplasts, and chromoplasts, not found in animal cells.

Vacuole

A fluid-filled space in plant cells that maintains turgor pressure and regulates waste.

Cell Wall

A strong outer layer surrounding the plasma membrane in plant cells, made of cellulose.

Glycoproteins

Proteins bonded with sugar molecules that help cells adhere together in animal tissues.

Fungal Cells

Eukaryotic cells that absorb nutrients from their environment and have cell walls made of chitin.

Endosymbiotic Theory

Proposal that eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells through engulfment and mutualism.

Gene Expression

The process through which specific genes are activated to produce specific proteins, leading to cell specialization.

Proteome

The complete set of proteins expressed by a cell, tissue, or organism, unique to its function.

Multicellularity

The condition of being composed of multiple cells that can be specialized for various functions.

Control of Cell Specialization

Mechanism by which the nucleus directs cell activities based on DNA, determining cell type.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which unspecialized cells develop into specialized cells with specific functions.