Unit 2: Cell Types & Cell Organelles

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components of cell theory, prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells, and the functions and locations of cell organelles based on Unit 2 notes.

Cell Theory

A biological theory stating three principles: all living things are made up of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre existing cells.

Multicellular Organism

An organism composed of many cells.

Unicellular Organism

An organism made of ONE cell.

Prokaryotic Cell

A smaller and simpler cell that does not contain a nucleus (PRO = "NO") or membrane-bound organelles, has free-floating DNA, and typically forms unicellular organisms such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cell

A larger, more complex cell that contains a nucleus (Eu = "DO") protecting its DNA and has membrane-bound organelles; found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Four Essential Cell Components

The four structural components that all cells need: cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and genetic material (DNA).

Nucleus

An organelle found in both plant and animal cells that stores and protects DNA, which contains instructions for building proteins.

Nucleolus

A structure inside both plant and animal cells where ribosomes are made.

Vacuole

An organelle found in both plant and animal cells that stores water, nutrients, and waste, and helps maintain water balance.

Central Vacuole

A single large vacuole found only in plant cells.

Golgi

An organelle found in both plant and animal cells that receives proteins from the rough ER in vesicles, modifies, sorts, packages, and ships them to their final destinations inside or outside the cell.

Mitochondria

The site of cellular respiration in both plant and animal cells, where chemical energy from food is broken down to release usable energy in the form of ATP.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle found in both plant and animal cells that allows proteins to fold into their 3D shape, inspects and modifies proteins (quality control), and packages proteins into sacs called vesicles.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle found in both plant and animal cells responsible for detoxification and making lipids.

Lysosome

An organelle found in both plant and animal cells that breaks down old cell parts and waste, breaking macromolecules into monomers so old parts can be recycled into new parts.

Centriole

Specialized parts of the cytoskeleton found in both plant and animal cells that help organize cell division.

Cytoskeleton

A cellular framework found in both plant and animal cells that provides shape and support, and helps move organelles throughout the cell.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable barrier found in both plant and animal cells that surrounds the cell, maintains homeostasis, and controls what enters and exits.

Ribosome

An organelle found in both plant and animal cells that produces (builds) proteins by following instructions (code) from DNA.

Chloroplast

An organelle found only in plant cells that is the site of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy and stored as glucose (sugar).

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like fluid found in both plant and animal cells that fills the inside of the cell, holds organelles in place, and serves as the site of many chemical reactions.

Cell Wall

A structure found only in plant cells that provides support and protection, and helps maintain cell shape.