Eukaryotic Cells Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing key vocabulary and concepts related to eukaryotic cells, their structures, and functions.

Eukaryotic Cells

The building blocks of eukaryotic organisms, including animals, plants, and some microorganisms.

Microorganisms (Microbes)

Organisms so small they can only be seen with a microscope; can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

Cell Shape

Often depicted as round, but in reality, cells have irregular shapes.

Microscopy

Transmission electron micrographs are used to visualize detailed cell structures.

Animal Cell Key Features

Contains a nucleus, cytoplasm with membrane-bound organelles, and is surrounded by a cell membrane.

Plant Cell Key Differences

Surrounded by both a membrane and a cell wall, and contains a large central vacuole.

Nucleus in Eukaryotic Cells

Found in all eukaryotic cells; surrounded by a double membrane with nuclear pores for material exchange.

Chromosomes

Genetic material stored in the form of linear chromosomes, made of DNA in eukaryotic cells.

Gene Expression Process

Transcription (DNA to mRNA in nucleus), mRNA transport (through nuclear pores), and Translation (mRNA to protein via ribosomes in cytoplasm).

Nucleolus

A specialized region within the nucleus rich in RNA, mainly involved in ribosome production.

Golgi Apparatus

A membrane-bound organelle involved in further processing, packaging, and distribution of proteins and lipids.

Endomembrane System

A collective term for the interconnected membrane-bound structures in eukaryotic cells, including the nuclear membrane, rough ER, smooth ER, and Golgi apparatus.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Proteins are synthesized by ribosomes attached to its surface and transported to the Golgi apparatus; appears rough due to ribosomes.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Produces lipids and other molecules, plays a key role in detoxification (especially in liver cells); lacks ribosomes, giving it a smooth look.

Lysosomes

Organelles responsible for digestion within the cell; contain intracellular digestive enzymes that break down cellular structures and materials.

Vacuoles

Primarily found in plant cells and eukaryotic microorganisms; contain a liquid substance and, in plant cells, help maintain cell structure and store plant pigments.

Mitochondria

Found in eukaryotic organisms; responsible for energy production via ATP synthesis. Have a double membrane structure with cristae (inner membrane folds) and a matrix containing mitochondrial DNA and ribosomes.

Chloroplasts

Found in plant cells and eukaryotic algae; responsible for photosynthesis. Have a triple membrane system with thylakoids containing chlorophyll.

Endosymbiosis

The evolutionary origin of both mitochondria and chloroplasts is believed to be through endosymbiosis, where one organism was engulfed by another and formed a symbiotic relationship.

Cytoskeleton

Non-membrane-bound structure in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells; provides strength and maintains the shape of the cell.

Microtubules

Thickest of the cytoskeleton filaments; maintain cell shape and serve as an internal transport system.

Actin Filaments

Thinnest protein filament; provide strength to structures like microvilli.

Cilia

Short and numerous structures that move in coordinated wave-like motion to remove dust particles.

Flagella

Long and usually singular structures that enable cell movement using a propeller-like motion.

Cell Walls

Present in plants, fungi, protists, and bacteria; provide mechanical strength and structural support.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Found only in animal cells; composed of proteins (collagen) and polysaccharides located outside the cell membrane, connected to the cytoplasm and cytoskeleton.

Cellular Reproduction

Cells form new cells through cell division. Includes Binary Fission (Prokaryotes) and Mitosis/Meiosis (Eukaryotes).

Mitosis

Cell cycle stages include Interphase, M phase, and Cytokinesis. The M phase involves chromosomes aligning, being pulled apart, and separated into two new cells.