Grade 10 Biology - Cell Theory, Organelles, and the Cell Cycle

Flashcards covering Cell Theory, eukaryotic and prokaryotic differences, organelle functions, passive transport (osmosis/diffusion), the cell cycle phases (Mitosis, Interphase, Cytokinesis), and cancer biology.

Biology

The study of living things.

Cell Theory

A theory stating that: 1. Cells are the smallest unit of life. 2. All living things are composed of one or more cells. 3. Cells come from pre-existing cells.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that carry out specific functions.

S.E.R (Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum)

An organelle that transports lipids and carbohydrates.

R.E.R (Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum)

An organelle that produces and transports proteins.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that receives and packages protein.

Golgi vesicles

Small structures that work with the Golgi apparatus to move materials.

Microtubules

Structures involved in cell division.

Cytoplasm

A gel-like fluid that holds organelles in place.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus that produces ribosomes.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell which contains DNA.

Centrosomes

Structures attached to spindle fibres that are involved in cell division.

Lysosome

Organelles containing chemicals that breakdown foods and damaged parts of the cell.

Secretory vesicle

A vesicle involved in the pinching of cell secretion.

Cell membrane

A structure that provides support and protection for the cell.

Mitochondria

The organelle responsible for producing energy for the cell.

Vacuole

A structure used to store materials; plant cells typically have one large vacuole while animal cells have small ones.

Cell wall

A rigid structure found in plant cells that provides support and protection.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that use light energy to convert into nutrients and food.

Prokaryotes

Simple, single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea that do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Complex organisms (protists, fungi, animals, or plants) that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Asexual Reproduction

A process involving one parent cell where the offspring has identical genetic information.

Binary fission

A type of asexual reproduction where each parent cell splits into two.

Sexual Reproduction

A process involving two parent cells (egg and sperm) where the offspring has half of the genetic information from each parent.

Apoptosis

Regulated cell death that occurs from the inside of the cell, often due to damaged DNA.

Diffusion

The movement of chemicals from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of liquids (usually water) from an area of low concentration to high concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Hypotonic solution

A solution, such as distilled water, that has a lower solute concentration compared to the cell.

Hypertonic solution

A solution, such as corn syrup, that has a higher solute concentration compared to the cell.

Cell Cycle

The process by which a parent cell divides into two offspring cells, consisting of Interphase, Mitosis, and Cytokinesis.

Interphase

The phase where cells spend approximately $90\,$ of their time, consisting of $G_1$ (growth), $S$ (DNA replication), and $G_2$ (preparation for division).

Chromatin

Long, thin strands of DNA found during Interphase.

Chromosomes

Structures formed from condensed chromatin during mitosis.

Chromatid

One of the two identical strands of a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere

The part of the chromosome where sister chromatids are attached.

Mitosis

The process of the parental nucleus splitting into two offspring nuclei, consisting of Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into chromosomes and the nuclear membrane starts to dissolve.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell and spindle fibres attach to centromeres.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids move away to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where two offspring nuclei are formed and the nuclear membrane reappears.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm splits into two identical daughter cells.

Cleavage furrow

The indentation that form during cytokinesis in animal cells as the cell pinches into two.

Cell plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells to create a new cell wall.

$G_0$ Phase

A resting phase where cells like muscle or nerve cells perform their functions but are not actively dividing.

Necrosis

Cell death caused by external factors or injury, such as a cut.

Cancer

A condition where cells divide out of control, do not stay at checkpoints, and rush through Interphase.

Tumor

A pile-up of cells that lose normal organization and fail to carry out specialized functions.

Metastasis

The process where cancer cells break away from a primary tumor and travel to a different site in the body.

Mutations

Natural changes in DNA that can cause cells to lose their regular function.

Carcinogens

Environmental factors or chemicals that cause cancer, such as UV radiation, smoking, or pesticides.