Cell Biology Key Terms and Definitions

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining fundamental cell structures, cell types, and organelles based on the lecture notes.

Cell

The basic building block of all living things.

Eukaryotic

Describes a cell that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, e.g. plant and animal cells.

Prokaryotic

Describes a simple cell with no nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles, e.g. bacteria.

Organelle

A specialised structure inside a cell that has a specific job.

Nucleus

Contains the genetic material (DNA) and controls the activities of the cell.

Nucleolus

A structure inside the nucleus that makes part of the ribosomes.

Cell membrane

A thin barrier around the cell that controls what enters and leaves.

Cytoplasm

Everything inside the cell membrane except the nucleus - the liquid cytosol plus the organelles in it.

Ribosomes

Tiny structures that read the code from the DNA and use it to make proteins - the site of protein synthesis.

Mitochondria

Where aerobic (cellular) respiration happens, releasing energy as ATP.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate - the molecule cells use as a source of energy.

Chloroplast

Contains green chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy. The site of photosynthesis.

Vacuole

Stores water, nutrients and waste. Large and permanent in plant cells (full of cell sap).

Cell wall

A rigid layer of cellulose outside the cell membrane that supports a plant cell and keeps its shape.