Biological Science Lecture Notes - Chapter 7: Inside the Cell

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the Biological Science lecture on cell structure and function, specifically Chapter 7, focusing on prokaryotes and eukaryotes, organelles, and cellular processes.

Prokaryotic

Organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus.

Eukaryotic

Organisms that have a membrane-bound nucleus.

Nucleoid

The region in prokaryotic cells where the circular chromosome is located.

Plasmid

Small circular DNA molecules that help prokaryotes adapt to unfavorable conditions.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers that helps maintain cell shape and assists in cell division.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double-layered structure that forms the core of cell membranes.

Cytoplasm

The contents inside the cell, excluding the nucleus.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm.

Cell Wall

A protective outer layer found in most prokaryotes.

Flagella

Long filaments that rotate to propel the cell.

Fimbrae

Needlelike projections that promote attachment to surfaces.

Organelle

A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A membranous organelle involved in protein synthesis and lipid production.

Rough ER

A type of ER that is studded with ribosomes, synthesizing proteins.

Smooth ER

A type of ER that is involved in lipid synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that processes, sorts, and ships proteins and lipids.

Lysosomes

Organelles that digest macromolecules and recycle cellular components.

Mitochondria

The power-generating stations of the cell that supply ATP.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plants and algae where photosynthesis occurs.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The theory that chloroplasts and mitochondria originated as free-living bacteria.

Autophagy

The process of digesting damaged organelles and proteins within a cell.

Actin Filaments

The smallest cytoskeletal elements that help define cell shape and movement.

Intermediate Filaments

Cytoskeletal elements that provide structural support but are not involved in movement.

Microtubules

The largest cytoskeletal elements that serve as tracks for vesicle transport and chromosome separation.

Kinesin

A motor protein that transports vesicles along microtubules.

Dynein

A motor protein that moves cilia and flagella causing them to bend.

Cilia

Short, hair-like projections that help in cell movement.

Flagella

Long, hair-like structures that enable movement in certain cells.

Nuclear Pore Complexes

Protein structures that allow molecules to enter and exit the nucleus.

Ribosome

A cellular structure that synthesizes proteins.

Glycosylation

The enzymatic process of adding carbohydrate side chains to proteins.

Transport Vesicles

Membrane-bound carriers that transport materials around the cell.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs a particle to form a phagosome.

Endocytosis

The process of taking substances into the cell by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Receptor-mediated Endocytosis

Form of endocytosis where specific molecules are intake through receptor binding.

Rough ER

Extension of the nuclear envelope that synthesizes proteins.

Smooth ER

Extension of the nuclear envelope involved in lipid synthesis.

Cell Membrane

The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane that encloses the nucleus.

Nucleolus

A distinct region within the nucleus responsible for ribosomal RNA synthesis.

Cytoskeletal Element

Any of the structures that make up the cytoskeleton.

Volume Ratio

The relationship between the size of the cell and its surface area.

Cellular Compartmentalization

The organization of functions in distinct areas within a cell.

Signal Sequence

A short peptide that directs the transport of a protein to the ER.

Exocytosis

The process of transporting materials out of the cell.

Endomembrane System

A system of membranes within the cell that works together to process and transport proteins.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions.

Acid Hydrolases

Enzymes found in lysosomes that digest macromolecules.

Cell Volume

The amount of space occupied by the cell.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in chloroplasts involved in photosynthesis.

Mitochondrial Matrix

The space within the inner membrane of a mitochondrion.

Cisternae

Stacks of membranous sacs in the Golgi apparatus.

Vesicle

A small membrane-bound sac that transports materials within a cell.

Maternal Inheritance

The concept that mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother.

Oxidation

A chemical reaction that involves the loss of electrons.

Noxious Compounds

Substances that can cause harm or toxicity to organisms.

Membrane-Bound Organelles

Organelles that are surrounded by lipid membranes.

Eukaryotes

Organisms composed of cells with membrane-bound nuclei.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus.

Lipid Biogenesis

The process of synthesizing lipids.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process that converts food into energy.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Glycolipids

Lipids that have a carbohydrate attached.

Recycling

The process of reusing materials within an organism.

Molecular Tag

A marker that indicates the destination of proteins.

Centriole

A structure involved in organizing microtubules during cell division.

Structural Support

The physical basis of support provided by cellular structures.

Signal Hypothesis

The theory explaining how proteins are directed to their functional destinations.

Transport Mechanism

The method by which substances move in and out of cells.

Protein Subunit

A single polypeptide chain that can assemble into larger protein complexes.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system to help eliminate pathogens.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen.

Actin Polymerization

The process of forming long chains of actin filaments.

Myosin

A motor protein that interacts with actin filaments to produce movement.

Lysosomal Enzyme

Enzymes that function within lysosomes to break down waste material.

Compartmentalization

The division of cellular functions into separate areas.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

Endocytotic Pathway

The route taken by substances that are taken up by the cell.

Nuclear Localization Signal

A sequence that directs proteins to the nucleus.

Cytosolic

Referring to the fluid portion of the cytoplasm.

Microtubule Organizing Center

Cellular structures that organize microtubules.

Hydrophobic Region

Part of a molecule that is water-repellent.

Hydrophilic Region

Part of a molecule that is attracted to water.

Membrane Function

The various roles that membranes play in cellular activity.

ATP

A high-energy molecule used as an energy currency in cells.

Cell Division

The process by which a single cell divides to form two new daughter cells.

Biochemical Pathways

Series of chemical reactions that occur within a cell.