Cell Biology and Organelles

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular structures, fluids, membrane-bound and non-membrane-bound organelles from the lecture notes.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that stores DNA and directs cellular activities.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus that regulates what enters and exits it.

Nucleoplasm

The fluid interior inside the nucleus that surrounds the nucleolus and chromatin.

Nucleolus

A dense region inside the nucleus responsible for producing ribosomes.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers that provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and helps move materials inside the cell.

Cytosol (Intracellular Fluid)

The liquid portion of the cytoplasm where chemical reactions happen.

Interstitial Fluid

The fluid outside the cell that bathes and surrounds tissues.

Inclusions

Temporary chemical substances stored inside the cell, such as nutrient reserves or pigments.

Membrane of Plasma / Plasma Membrane

The outer barrier of the cell that regulates what moves in and out of the cell.

Non-Membrane Bound Organelles

Cell structures that lack a surrounding membrane, such as ribosomes and centrioles.

Ribosomes

Small structures that make proteins for the cell.

Free Ribosomes

Ribosomes floating in the cytosol that produce proteins used within the fluid of the cell.

Bound Ribosomes

Ribosomes attached to the endoplasmic reticulum that make proteins intended for export or use in membranes.

Vesicle

Small membrane-bound sacs used to transport materials within or out of the cell.

Cytoplasm

Everything inside the cell between the plasma membrane and the nucleus, including cytosol and organelles.

Microvilli

Tiny, finger-like projections on the cell surface that increase surface area for absorption.

Cilia

Short, hair-like projections on the cell surface that move substances across the cell's surface.

Flagellum

A long, whip-like tail that moves the entire cell forward.

Mitochondrion

The "powerhouse of the cell" that produces ATP energy through cellular respiration.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, packages, and ships proteins and lipids to their destinations.

Membrane-Bound Organelles

Specialized cell components enclosed by a lipid membrane, such as the mitochondria and lysosomes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network covered in ribosomes that helps fold and process proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network without ribosomes that synthesizes lipids, metabolizes carbs, and detoxifies drugs/toxins.

Centrosome

The cellular structure that organizes microtubules and helps separate chromosomes during cell division.

Proteasomes

Protein complexes that break down and recycle damaged or unneeded proteins.

Lysosome

Contains digestive enzymes to break down waste, worn-out organelles, and debris.

Peroxisome

Contains enzymes that neutralize toxic substances and break down fatty acids.