Evolutionary Origin of Cells and Their General Features

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the evolutionary origin of cells, cell theory, microscopy, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures, and organelles.

Cell Theory

Credited to Schleiden and Schwann; states that all living organisms are composed of cells, cells are the smallest units of life, and new cells arise only from pre-existing cells.

Microscopy

A technique that allows researchers to visualize the structure of cells using various types of microscopes.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish two adjacent objects as separate.

Contrast

The difference in appearance between two structures, which can be enhanced with special dyes.

Prokaryotes

Cells with a simple structure, no nucleus, and typically smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotes

More complex cells that contain a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

Cytoplasm

The material within the plasma membrane excluding the nucleus, containing cytosol and organelles.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the genetic material in eukaryotic cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis, including rough and smooth types.

Golgi Apparatus

A stack of membranes that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain enzymes for digesting macromolecules and recycling cellular components.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for ATP synthesis and involved in energy metabolism.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plants and algae that carry out photosynthesis.

Proteome

The complete set of proteins expressed by a cell, which varies between different cell types.

Endosymbiosis

The evolutionary theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells living inside larger host cells.

Cell Morphology

The study of the size, shape, and structure of cells.