Cells and Cell Membranes

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to cell structure, function, transport mechanisms, and processes involved in cell reproduction, which are key concepts for understanding cellular biology.

Plasma Membrane

The outer boundary of a cell, selectively permeable and composed of phospholipid bilayer with proteins.

Cytoplasm

The internal living material of cells that fills space between plasma membrane and nucleus.

Nucleus

The control center of a cell, containing DNA and surrounded by a nuclear envelope.

Ribosomes

Organelles that manufacture enzymes and proteins, often called 'protein factories'.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of sacs and canals that transport substances through the cytoplasm; includes rough and smooth types.

Golgi Apparatus

Flattened sacs involved in the processing and packaging of proteins.

Mitochondria

Organelles involved in energy-releasing chemical reactions, containing their own DNA.

Lysosomes

Membranous-walled organelles containing digestive enzymes, representing protective functions.

Centrosome

Region near the nucleus involving microtubule organization, containing centrioles.

Cilia

Fine, hairlike extensions capable of moving in unison to move substances across cell surfaces.

Flagella

Single, larger projections from cell surfaces, such as the tail of sperm cells.

Diffusion

The process in which substances scatter evenly in space, moving from high to low concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Dialysis

The diffusion of solutes across a selectively permeable membrane.

Filtration

Movement of water and solutes caused by hydrostatic pressure.

Active Transport

Processes that move substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Phagocytosis

A protective mechanism where cells engulf and destroy bacteria or particles.

Pinocytosis

The process used by cells to incorporate fluids or dissolved substances.

Ion Pumps

Protein complexes in cell membranes that transport ions against their concentration gradient.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

An ion pump that moves sodium out of and potassium into cells, essential for cell function.

DNA

The molecule containing the genetic code, shaped as a double helix.

RNA

A nucleic acid molecule involved in protein synthesis, including mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

Transcription

The process of copying a gene from DNA to messenger RNA.

Translation

The synthesis of proteins from mRNA by ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells.

Interphase

The stage when a cell is not actively dividing, including DNA replication.

Hypertrophy

Increase in the size of individual cells, leading to larger tissue size.

Atrophy

Decrease in the size of individual cells, leading to smaller tissue size.

Hyperplasia

Increase in cell reproduction resulting in larger tissue size.

Anaplasia

Production of abnormal, undifferentiated cells often associated with cancer.

Chromatin

The material that makes up chromosomes, consisting of DNA and protein.

Chromosomes

Structures that contain DNA tightly coiled during cell division.

Cell Transport Processes

Methods by which substances move across cell membranes, both passive and active.

Selective Permeability

The property of cell membranes that allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder resulting from failed chloride ion transport, leading to thick secretions.

Cholera

A bacterial infection causing chloride and water leakage from intestinal cells.

Cell Extensions

Structures like microvilli, cilia, and flagella that extend from the cell surface for various functions.

Cilia Movement Patterns

The coordinated motion of cilia to move substances across a cell surface.

Nuclear Pores

Tiny openings in the nuclear envelope allowing the transport of materials in and out of the nucleus.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to create a functional product.

Chromosomal Abnormality

Any change in the normal structure or number of chromosomes leading to disease.

Cell Life Cycle

The stages of a cell's life, including growth, reproduction, and division.