Cell Biology Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes on cells, microscopes, transport, and enzymes.

Prokaryotic Cell

Cells lacking a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cell

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains DNA and controls cell activities.

Mitochondria

The organelle where cellular respiration occurs, producing ATP.

Ribosome

The site of protein synthesis.

Chloroplast

The site of photosynthesis in plant cells.

Vacuole

An organelle in plant cells that stores water, nutrients, and waste.

Golgi Apparatus

The organelle that modifies and packages proteins.

Lysosome

The organelle responsible for breaking down waste and unwanted material.

Light Microscope

A microscope that uses light to view live cells.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

A microscope providing high magnification of internal structures.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

A microscope providing 3D surface views of a sample.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A flexible membrane with proteins floating in a phospholipid bilayer.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Active Transport

The movement of substances from low to high concentration, requiring ATP.

Passive Transport

Transport that does not require energy input.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V)

A measure of how much surface area is available relative to the volume of a cell.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up reactions.