Cell Theory, Cellular Structure & Functions – Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on cell theory and cellular structures/functions.

Cell

Fundamental structural and functional unit of life.

Microscope

Instrument that magnifies small objects, enabling discovery of cells.

Zacharias Janssen

Dutch spectacle-maker credited with inventing the first compound microscope.

Robert Hooke

English scientist who coined the term “cells” after observing cork in 1665.

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Dutch observer who first saw living microorganisms using single-lens microscopes (1674).

Rudolph Virchow

German physician who proposed that all cells arise from pre-existing cells (1855).

Cell Theory

Principle stating that all living things are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells come from existing cells.

Plasma Membrane

Outer boundary that protects the cell, regulates transport, and receives signals.

Fluid Mosaic Model

Description of the plasma membrane as a dynamic mix of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins.

Phospholipid Bilayer

Double layer of phospholipids forming the core of cell membranes.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like region between nucleus and membrane where organelles reside and reactions occur.

Cytosol

Fluid component of cytoplasm containing dissolved molecules.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound control center housing DNA.

Nuclear Membrane

Double membrane that encloses the nucleus.

Nucleolus

Dense nuclear region where ribosomes are assembled.

Chromosome

DNA-protein structure carrying genetic information.

Endomembrane System

Group of organelles that modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Network of membranous sacs and tubules involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Rough ER

ER studded with ribosomes; synthesizes and modifies membrane and export proteins.

Smooth ER

ER without ribosomes; synthesizes lipids, detoxifies chemicals, stores calcium.

Ribosome

Molecular machine that assembles proteins from amino acids.

Vacuole

Fluid-filled membrane sac for storage and molecule breakdown, prominent in plant cells.

Lysosome

Organelle containing hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion and recycling.

Autophagy

Self-destruction process where lysosomes degrade damaged organelles.

Phagocytosis

Cell process of engulfing large particles or organisms for digestion.

Peroxisome

Small organelle that breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies harmful substances, reducing ROS.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular components.

Golgi Apparatus

Stack of membranes that modifies, sorts, and packages molecules from the ER.

Cis Face

Receiving side of the Golgi apparatus.

Trans Face

Shipping side of the Golgi apparatus where vesicles exit.

Centrosome

Microtubule-organizing center important for cell division and shape maintenance.

Microtubule

Hollow protein filament forming cytoskeleton and spindle fibers.

Mitochondrion

ATP-producing organelle; site of cellular respiration.

Cellular Respiration

Metabolic process converting nutrients and O₂ into ATP, releasing CO₂ and H₂O.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Primary energy currency of the cell.

Chloroplast

Plant and algae organelle where photosynthesis occurs.

Photosynthesis

Process converting light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars.