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Cell
The basic unit of life, which is alive, as opposed to subcellular components. Cells are the smallest structural and functional units of organisms, capable of performing life processes such as metabolism, respiration, reproduction, and response to stimuli. They can exist as independent organisms (like bacteria) or as part of multicellular organisms (like plants and animals).
Prokaryotic Cells
Cells that do not have a nucleus or internal organelles and are usually smaller than eukaryotic cells.
Eukaryotic Cells
Cells that contain a nucleus and numerous membrane-bound organelles.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis; can be smooth or rough.
Ribosomes
Molecular machines composed of proteins and RNA that build proteins by translating mRNA.
Golgi Apparatus
A sorting center that packages proteins and lipids for transport and secretion.
Mitochondria
Organelles that generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell, from sugars and oxygen.
Cytoplasm
The gel-like fluid that fills the cell, where most cellular chemical reactions occur.
Membrane Fluidity
The viscosity of the cell membrane that allows for flexibility and movement of molecules.
Phospholipids
Molecules that make up the cell membrane, having both hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
Fluid Mosaic Model
The model describing the cell membrane structure as a dynamic layer of lipids with proteins embedded within.
Selectively Permeable
A characteristic of the plasma membrane that regulates which molecules can enter and exit the cell.
Lysosomes
Vesicles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.
Specialised Cells
Cells that have differentiated to perform specific functions, such as erythrocytes and leukocytes.
Cholesterol
A molecule embedded in the cell membrane that modulates membrane fluidity and permeability.
Cell Membrane
The outermost layer of the cell that forms a barrier between the cell and the external environment.
Cytoskeleton
A network of fibers that provides support, shape, and enables movement within the cell.
The _____ is the basic unit of life.
cell
Cells that contain a nucleus are called _____ cells.
eukaryotic
Cells without a nucleus are known as _____ cells.
prokaryotic
The network involved in protein and lipid synthesis is the _____ _____ (ER).
endoplasmic reticulum
Mitochondria generate _____, the energy currency of the cell.
ATP
The _____ is the gel-like fluid filling the cell where chemical reactions occur.
cytoplasm
Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads and _____ tails.
hydrophobic
The _____ _____ model describes the structure of the cell membrane.
fluid mosaic
Lysosomes break down waste materials through _____ enzymes.
digestive
The outermost layer of the cell is known as the _____ membrane.
cell
