Cell Structure and Function

These flashcards cover key organelles and structures within a cell, their definitions, and functions, which are essential for understanding cell biology.

Nuclear Membrane

Also called the nuclear envelope, it is a double membrane that surrounds the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that contains genetic material (DNA) and regulates gene expression and cell division.

Nucleolus

A dense round structure inside the nucleus that produces ribosomes by synthesizing rRNA.

Cell Membrane

A thin flexible barrier that surrounds the cell, acting like a protective skin and controlling what enters and leaves the cell.

Cell Wall

A rigid protective layer that surrounds the cell membrane in plants, providing structural shape, strength, and protection.

Chloroplast

An oval disk-shaped organelle found in green plants and algae, where photosynthesis occurs.

Amyloplast

A type of plastid that synthesizes and stores starch and breaks it down into sugars for plant energy.

Cytoplasm

The entire space in the cell that holds all organelles and jelly-like fluid, excluding the nucleus.

Cytosol

The jelly-like fluid part of the cytoplasm that dissolves nutrients.

Mitochondrion

The powerhouse of the cell that produces energy by breaking down food into ATP.

Rough ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum)

A network of folded membranes covered in ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth ER

A series of folded membranes that make lipids, steriods, and break down toxins.

Ribosomes

Tiny structures inside cells that build proteins by translating genetic information into amino acids.

Golgi Body (Golgi Apparatus)

A packaging center that processes and packages proteins and fats into vesicles for transport.

Golgi Vesicle

A membrane-bound sac that carries proteins and lipids packaged by the Golgi to various parts of the cell.

Central Vacuole

A large fluid-filled sac in plant cells that stores water, nutrients, and waste, maintaining turgor pressure.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers throughout the cytoplasm that provides structure and assists in cell movement and division.

Nuclear Pores

Tiny holes in the nuclear membrane that control material movement between the nucleus and cytoplasm.