cell vocab

cytoplasm

everything between the cell membrane and nucleus

intermediate filaments

moderately thick and give a cell its strength

centrioles

active during cell division and not present in plant and fungi cells

vesicle

small, often sphereical shaped sac that divides some materials from the rest of the cytoplasm. used for storage and transportation

vacuoles

function in digestion, pumping excess material, storage, cell stabilizer

centrosomes

a region near the nucleus where microtubules grow from

rough er

functions in the production of antibodies

cytoskeleton

provides a thin flexible framework that supports the cell

central vacuole

A single, large membrane compartment that stores water, ions, nutrients, and waste. Not found in animal cells

ribosomes

Functions in protein synthesis and is not considered a membrane bound organelle.

chloroplast

uses light energy to make sugar from carbon dioxide and water during photosynthesis. only found in plants and some plant like protists

nucleolous

contains most of the genes that control the entire cell and is surrounded by a nuclear envelope

flagella

long whip like projections, often singular; helps sperm swim

microfilaments

Function in muscle contraction,, ameboid movement, and changes in cell shape

lysosomes

A bag of enzymes used by the cell to digest macromolecules (intracellular digestion).

plasma membrane

Consists of a double layer of phospholipids with proteins attached to it or embedded in it.

smooth er

Functions in the synthesis of lipids, carbohydrate metabolism, and detoxification of drugs and poisons.

mirochondria

the site of cellular respiration

golgi apparatus/golgi bodies

A series of flattened membranous sacs which function in synthesis, storing, sorting and shipping of materials.

microtubules

Straight hollow rods that provide shape, support and help organelles move around the cell

cilia

Short, hair-like structures; often numerous; lines the respiratory system of humans.

nucleolous

manufactures ribosomes, which build proteins

chromatin

Thread-like material that coils into chromosomes just before the cell divides.

cell wall

Extracellular structure surrounding the plasma membrane and not found in animal cells.

pilli

short, hair-like structures on the cell surface of prokaryotic cells. They can have a role in movement, but are more often involved in adherence to surfaces, which facilitates infection, and is a key virulence characteristic.