Cell Structure and Function

Vocabulary flashcards covering key cell structure and function concepts.

Plasma Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails that regulates entry and exit of substances.

Function of Plasma Membrane

Selective barrier and communication

Function of nucleus

Directs cell growth, maturation, replication, and programmed cell death

Function of nucleolus

Ribosome synthesis

Function of Rough ER

Protein synthesis

Function of Smooth ER

Lipid synthesis, detox, calcium storage

Structure of Ribosomes

Mix of RNA and proteins

Function of Ribosomes

Synthesize new protein molecules

Function of Lysosomes

Contains hydrolytic enzymes that digest waste and organelles

Function of Microfilaments

Cell shape and mobility

Function of Intermediate Filaments

Structural support

Function of Microtubules

Transport highway and mitotic spindle

Protoplasm

Living substance of cell

Function of cilia

Movement of substances

Function of Flagella

Sperm mobility

Function of amoeboid motion

WBCs migrate into tissues

What separates nucleus from cytoplasm?

Nuclear membrane

Nucleus

Enclosed by a double nuclear membrane; stores genetic material (DNA) and directs cell growth.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranous tubules; Rough ER synthesizes proteins while Smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies.

Ribosomes

Composed of rRNA and proteins, they synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

Golgi Apparatus

Stacked membranes responsible for post-translational modification and packaging of proteins.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound vesicles containing enzymes for digesting worn-out organelles and pathogens.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments providing shape, organization, and movement to the cell.

Protoplasm

The living substance of the cell, comprising cytoplasm and nucleoplasm, where metabolic reactions occur.

Peroxisomes

Small organelles that break down fatty acids and detoxify hydrogen peroxide.

Secretory Vesicles

Membrane-bound sacs that store and release enzymes in inactive form to prevent damage.

Mitochondria

Double membrane organelles that produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and are abundant in high-energy tissues.

Cilia

Short, numerous hair-like projections that move substances across cell surfaces.

Flagella

Long, whip-like projections that enable cell locomotion.

Amoeboid Motion

Movement relying on the polymerization of actin filaments, allowing cells to migrate.