Cells and Cancer Biology Unit Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cell organelles, plant vs. animal cells, specialized and stem cells, cell theory, cancer pathology, and the cell cycle with mitosis.

Prokaryotic Cell

A type of cell that contains DNA but lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; an example is cyanobacteria.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell that contains a nucleus, DNA, and membrane-bound organelles; an example is an animal cell.

Nucleus

The organelle that manages the cell's DNA and coordinates cellular activities.

Cell Membrane

The structure that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance that holds the cell's organelles in place.

Mitochondria

Organelles that generate energy for the cell; found in large numbers in muscle cells to meet high energy demands for movement.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that make proteins for the cell.

Vacuole

An organelle responsible for storage and maintaining water balance inside the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle that transports proteins throughout the cell.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that sorts and packages proteins and lipids for delivery.

Lysosomes

Organelles that break down waste materials inside the cell.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer present in plant cells (not animal cells) that provides structural support, shape, and protection.

Chloroplasts

Organelles present in plant cells (not animal cells) that carry out photosynthesis.

Central Vacuole

A large organelle found in plant cells (not animal cells) that stores materials and maintains internal water balance.

Stem Cells

Unspecialized cells that have the ability to differentiate and turn into other types of cells.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells derived from early embryos that can turn into any type of cell.

Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells that can only turn into the specific cell types to which they are related.

Root Hair Cell

A plant cell with an elongated structure that increases surface area to take up water from the soil.

Sperm Cell

A specialized cell carrying enzymes in its head to aid in fertilization.

Nerve Cell

A specialized cell that branches throughout the body to transmit electrical impulses.

Egg Cell

A reproductive cell surrounded by a specialized protective outer layer.

Muscle Cell

A specialized cell involved in body movement with a structure built for support and greater strength.

Guard Cell

A bean-shaped cell that opens and closes to control gas exchange and prevent water loss.

Red Blood Cell

A disc-shaped cell designed to maximize surface area to bind and transport oxygen throughout the body.

Bone Cell

A specialized cell that collects calcium from digested food to support growth and build bone matrix around itself.

Adipose Tissue Cell

A cell that insulates the body and contains large vacuoles to store molecules and chemical energy.

Seven Characteristics of Living Things

The core traits of living organisms: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition.

Cell Theory

A fundamental biological theory stating that: 1. Cells are the building blocks of life; 2. All living things are composed of one or more cells; 3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Benign Tumour

A non-cancerous mass of cells that remains localized and does not invade nearby tissue.

Malignant Tumour

A fast-growing, cancerous tumour that can invade and spread to other tissues.

Carcinogen

Any substance or factor that causes cancer, such as smoking, excess alcohol, an unhealthy diet, or UV radiation.

Chemotherapy

A cancer treatment that uses drugs flowing throughout the entire body to destroy cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

A targeted cancer therapy that directs high-energy radiation specifically at the tumour.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows, carries out normal metabolic functions, and replicates its DNA.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where the nuclear membrane begins to disappear, DNA is released, and spindle fibers begin to grow.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up along the middle (equator) of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis during which spindle fibers shorten and pull sister chromatids apart toward opposite poles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes decondense back into chromatin and two new nuclei begin to form.

Cytokinesis

The final phase of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm divides to form two genetically identical daughter cells.