Chapter 5 - Cytology: Structure and Function of Cells

Vocabulary flashcards covering key cytological terms, cellular organelles, and concepts of cell theory from Chapter 5.

Cytoskeleton

The structure within cells that helps define their shape, maintains internal organization, and aids in division and movement.

Nucleoid

The non-membrane-bound region in prokaryotic cells that contains most of the genetic material.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Transports compounds around the cell, helps maintain the cell's shape, is studded with ribosomes, and processes the proteins made by ribosomes.

Granum

Found inside chloroplasts; made of stacks of thylakoids, which contain the green pigment chlorophyll to carry out photosynthesis.

Central vacuole

An organelle that holds materials and helps maintain the cell's shape through turgor pressure in plant cells.

Cell theory

One of the fundamental models of biology that states that cells are the smallest form of life, come from preexisting cells, are the basic building blocks of all life-forms, and carry out life processes to maintain homeostasis.

Colony

A group of individual organisms of the same species living closely together, or a group of cells that live and work together and can survive on their own if broken away.

Organelle

A structure within the cytoplasm of cells that performs a specific set of functions in a cell that the cell needs to stay alive.

Eukaryote

An organism with cells having a true nucleus as well as membrane-bound organelles.

Cytoplasm

A thick fluid inside cells that contains the organelles; also called cytosol.