Lecture Review: Cell Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on cell structure and function, focusing on essential terms related to the endomembrane system, organelles, and cellular processes.

Endomembrane System

A system of membranous compartments within eukaryotic cells, including the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and various vesicles.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA into amino acid sequences.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and is responsible for regulating gene expression.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus, which condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus, which distinguishes them from prokaryotic cells.

Mitochondria

Membrane-bound organelles that generate ATP through cellular respiration and are thought to descend from ancient prokaryotic cells.

Glycosylation

The process of adding sugars to proteins, often occurring in the Golgi apparatus, that can modify protein functionality.

Polyribosomes

Complexes of multiple ribosomes translating a single mRNA strand simultaneously, increasing protein production efficiency.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Regions of the endoplasmic reticulum that lack ribosomes and are involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down macromolecules, acting as the cell's waste disposal.

Vesicular Transport

The process by which materials are transported within vesicles between different compartments of the cell.

Apoptosis

The programmed cell death process that involves a series of biochemical events leading to cellular changes and death.

Interphase Chromosomes

A less condensed form of chromatin present during most of the cell cycle, allowing for gene expression and replication.

Histones

Proteins around which DNA winds to form chromatin, playing a critical role in the structural organization of DNA.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Nucleolus

A dense region within the nucleus responsible for ribosomal RNA synthesis and initial stages of ribosome assembly.