Cell Structures and Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering microscope types, prokaryotic and eukaryotic distinctions, and major cellular structures and organelles.

Prokaryotes

Cells that are smaller and simpler than eukaryotes, do not enclose their genetic material (DNA) in a nucleus, and include all bacteria.

Eukaryotes

Cells that are larger and more complex than prokaryotes, separate and enclose their genetic material within a nucleus, and display great diversity.

Cell Membrane

A flexible barrier that surrounds all cells.

Nucleus

A large membrane-enclosed structure that contains genetic information (DNA) and coded instructions for molecules.

Nucleolus

A structure found in the nucleus that is responsible for ribosome assembly.

Cytoplasm

The portion of the cell that is outside of the nucleus.

Organelles

Internal cell structures that act like specialized organs to perform specific cellular tasks.

Ribosomes

Small particles of RNA and protein found in the cytoplasm that produce proteins by following coded instructions from DNA.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

A portion of the endoplasmic reticulum covered in ribosomes, responsible for synthesizing proteins and other materials to be exported from the cell.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

A portion of the endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes, responsible for synthesizing lipids and detoxifying drugs and chemicals.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle in eukaryotic cells that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and other materials for transport inside or outside the cell; acts as the cell's 'customization shop.'

Vacuoles

Large sac-like, membrane-enclosed structures that store materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Vesicles

Small, membrane-bound sacs responsible for storing and moving materials between cell organelles and to and from the cell surface.

Lysosomes

Small organelles filled with enzymes that act as the cell's digestive system by breaking down lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins into usable molecules.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments that helps the cell maintain its shape and aids in internal and external cell movement.

Chloroplasts

Plant organelles that capture solar energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy stored in food during photosynthesis.

Mitochondria

The 'powerhouse of the cell' found in almost all eukaryotic cells, responsible for converting chemical energy stored in food into compounds the cell can conveniently use.