Cell Biology and Division Lecture Notes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cell types, organelles, mitotic cell division, transport mechanisms, and specialized cell structures.

Eukaryotic Cell

A type of cell such as an animal or plant cell that contains a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic Cell

A type of cell such as a bacterial cell that lacks a nucleus and contains circular DNA and plasmids.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains DNA and controls the cell's activities.

Mitochondria

The location where aerobic respiration happens to provide energy for the cell.

Ribosomes

The site in the cell where proteins are made.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance where chemical reactions happen within the cell.

Cell Membrane

A structure that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Cell Wall

A structure found in plant and bacterial cells that provides support and strength.

Vacuole

A plant cell organelle that maintains pressure.

Chloroplast

The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis happens.

Plasmid

A small, circular loop of DNA found in prokaryotic bacterial cells.

Flagellum

A tail-like structure used by some cells for movement.

DNA Replication

The process where genetic material is copied in preparation for cell division.

Mitosis

A stage of the cell cycle important for growth and development where the nucleus divides into two.

Cytokinesis

The stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Magnification Formula

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Diffusion

The movement of particles from a high to a low concentration without the use of energy.

Osmosis

The movement of water from a high water potential to a low water potential through a partially permeable membrane.

Active Transport

The movement of substances from a low to a high concentration, which requires energy.

Stem Cell

An undifferentiated cell found in embryos, bone marrow, or plant meristems that can become specialized.

Differentiation

The process of a cell becoming specialised to carry out a specific function.

Sperm Cell

A specialized cell for fertilising the egg, featuring a tail for swimming, many mitochondria, and an acrosome with enzymes.

Nerve Cell (Neurone)

A specialized cell for transmitting electrical impulses, featuring a long axon, dendrites, and a myelin sheath.

Muscle Cell

A specialized long cell with many mitochondria that contracts to cause movement.

Red Blood Cell

A specialized cell with a biconcave shape and no nucleus that contains haemoglobin to transport oxygen.