Eukaryotic Cells and Their Functions

These flashcards provide vocabulary terms and definitions related to eukaryotic cells, their organelles, and functions as outlined in the lecture notes.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells with internal membranes that compartmentalize their functions.

Cytosol

The semifluid, jellylike substance in which subcellular components are suspended.

Chromosomes

Structures that carry genetic information in the form of DNA.

Ribosomes

Tiny complexes that make proteins according to gene instructions.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane enclosing the nucleus, separating it from the cytoplasm.

Nucleolus

Prominent structure within the non-dividing nucleus involved in ribosome assembly.

Endomembrane system

A system that regulates protein traffic and performs various metabolic functions.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Lysosomes

Membranous sacs of hydrolytic enzymes used for digestion of macromolecules.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bounded vesicles with specialized functions in different cell types.

Mitochondria

Organelles that are the sites of cellular respiration and ATP generation.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that convert solar energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that organizes structures and activities within the cell.

Microtubules

Thickest fibers in the cytoskeleton, involved in structural support and organelle movement.

Plasmodesmata

Open channels through plant cell walls that connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells.

Tight junctions

Intercellular junctions that prevent leakage of materials between animal cells.

Desmosomes

Intercellular junctions in animal cells that fasten cells together.

Gap junctions

Protein-surrounded pores in animal cells allowing material passage between cells.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Cell wall

A protective layer external to the plasma membrane in plant cells, prokaryotes, fungi, and some protists.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

A collection of molecules secreted by animal cells that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells.

Peroxisomes

Metabolic organelles that contain enzymes which remove electrons from various molecules and transfer them to oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct.

Centrosomes

A region in animal cells that is the main place where cell microtubules are organized, containing a pair of centrioles.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells with internal membranes that compartmentalize their functions.

Cytosol

The semifluid, jellylike substance in which subcellular components are suspended.

Chromosomes

Structures that carry genetic information in the form of DNA.

Ribosomes

Tiny complexes that make proteins according to gene instructions.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane enclosing the nucleus, separating it from the cytoplasm.

Nucleolus

Prominent structure within the non-dividing nucleus involved in ribosome assembly.

Endomembrane system

A system that regulates protein traffic and performs various metabolic functions.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth ER

Endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Lysosomes

Membranous sacs of hydrolytic enzymes used for digestion of macromolecules.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bounded vesicles with specialized functions in different cell types.

Mitochondria

Organelles that are the sites of cellular respiration and ATP generation.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that convert solar energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that organizes structures and activities within the cell.

Microtubules

Thickest fibers in the cytoskeleton, involved in structural support and organelle movement.

Plasmodesmata

Open channels through plant cell walls that connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells.

Tight junctions

Intercellular junctions that prevent leakage of materials between animal cells.

Desmosomes

Intercellular junctions in animal cells that fasten cells together.

Gap junctions

Protein-surrounded pores in animal cells allowing material passage between cells.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Cell wall

A protective layer external to the plasma membrane in plant cells, prokaryotes, fungi, and some protists.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

A collection of molecules secreted by animal cells that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells.

Peroxisomes

Metabolic organelles that contain enzymes which remove electrons from various molecules and transfer them to oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct.

Centrosomes

A region in animal cells that is the main place where cell microtubules are organized, containing a pair of centrioles.

What is the plasma membrane?

The selective barrier that regulates the cell's chemical composition and passage of substances.

What is the Golgi apparatus?

An organelle consisting of flattened membranous sacs, involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids.

What is the main function of the nucleus?

Contains most of the genes in the eukaryotic cell and is involved in controlling cell growth, metabolism, and reproduction.