Cell Biology Concepts

Flashcards covering fundamental concepts in cell biology, including cell theory, cell types, organelles, and scientific laws.

Cell Theory

A widely accepted explanation of the relationship between cells and living things, stating that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that do not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

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

Law of Conservation of Mass

States that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Lysosomes

Organelles that break down food, wastes, and worn-out cell parts using digestive chemicals.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that capture energy from sunlight to produce food in plant cells.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce the energy a cell needs to carry out its functions.

Golgi Body

An organelle that receives proteins and materials, packages them, and distributes them out of the cell.

Ribosomes

Small structures that synthesize proteins.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like fluid where the organelles of a cell are found.

Microscope

An instrument used to see small objects, including cells, that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Virchow's Law

All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Vacuole

A membrane-bound sac within a cell that stores substances; larger in plant cells compared to animal cells.

Cell Membrane

The outer boundary of a cell, controlling the entry and exit of substances.

Plant Cell vs. Animal Cell

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and larger vacuoles, while animal cells do not.