Cell Organelles and Structures Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering the main organelles and cellular structures mentioned in the lecture, each with a concise definition suitable for exam review.

Cell Membrane

Flexible outer boundary of all cells that regulates what enters and exits, helping maintain homeostasis.

Cell Wall

Rigid outer layer found in most prokaryotes and some eukaryotes (e.g., plants) that provides shape, support, and protection.

Centrioles

Pair of cylinder-shaped structures in animal cells (from the centrosome) that organize spindle fibers during cell division.

Chloroplast

Photosynthetic organelle in plant (and some protist) cells that converts light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

Cytoplasm

All cellular material between the plasma membrane and the nucleus in eukaryotes; includes cytosol (jelly-like fluid) and organelles.

Cytosol

Semi-fluid, jelly-like portion of the cytoplasm in which organelles are suspended.

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein filaments (microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments) that supports cell shape, anchors organelles, and aids movement.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Extensive membrane network; Rough ER has ribosomes and synthesizes proteins, Smooth ER lacks ribosomes, synthesizes lipids, and detoxifies substances.

Golgi Apparatus

Stack of flattened sacs that modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for storage or transport in vesicles.

Lysosome

Membrane-bound vesicle (common in animal cells) containing digestive enzymes that break down waste, debris, and invading pathogens.

Mitochondrion

Double-membrane organelle that produces ATP through cellular respiration; often called the “powerhouse of the cell.”

Nucleus

Membrane-bound control center of eukaryotic cells that houses DNA and coordinates cell activities such as growth and reproduction.

Ribosome

Macromolecular machine (found free in cytoplasm or bound to rough ER) that assembles amino acids into proteins.

Vacuole

Membrane-bound storage compartment; large central vacuole in plants stores water and other substances, while animal cells have smaller vacuoles.