Cell Structure, Function, and Transport

A comprehensive collection of vocabulary flashcards covering basic cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic organelles, microscope types, solution tonicity, and cell membrane transport mechanisms.

Cell Theory

The core biological principle stating that 1) all living things are made of cells, 2) cells are the basic unit of life, and 3) all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryote

A simpler cell type that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryote

A larger, more complex cell type that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Cytoskeleton

One of five features found in all cells, responsible for providing structure and movement.

Nucleus

The control center of a eukaryotic cell that holds genetic material ($\text{DNA}$).

Ribosome

An organelle present in all cells that functions to make proteins.

Mitochondria

The organelle responsible for generating cell energy by making $\text{ATP}$.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant cells containing chlorophyll that performs photosynthesis to make food.

Cell Membrane

A flexible, selective phospholipid bilayer with proteins that acts as a gatekeeper controlling what enters and leaves the cell.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer in plant cells that provides support and protection.

Vacuole

An organelle used for storage of water and materials, featuring a large central vacuole in plant cells and smaller vacuoles in animal cells.

Lysosome

An organelle that functions in cellular cleanup and recycling.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that packages and ships proteins and lipids.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

Part of the endoplasmic reticulum network that makes proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Part of the endoplasmic reticulum network that makes lipids and assists in detoxification.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like material present in all cells where chemical reactions take place.

Compound Light Microscope

A type of microscope used to view general living cells ($C = \text{Cells}$).

Dissecting / Stereo Microscope

A microscope used for viewing $3\text{D}$ surfaces and larger specimens ($D = 3\text{D}$).

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

A microscope used for examining detailed internal structures ($T = \text{Through}$).

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

A microscope used for examining $3\text{D}$-looking surface structures ($S = \text{Surface}$).

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a high solute concentration that causes water to leave the cell, leading it to shrink (crenate).

Isotonic Solution

A solution with an equal solute concentration relative to the cell, resulting in no net water movement.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a low solute concentration that causes water to enter the cell, leading it to swell or burst.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances down their concentration gradient ($\text{high} \rightarrow \text{low}$) across a cell membrane without requiring energy ($\text{ATP}$).

Simple Diffusion

Passive transport of small nonpolar molecules (e.g., $O_2$, $CO_2$, steroid hormones, lipid-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K) directly through the phospholipid bilayer.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport of polar or charged molecules (e.g., glucose, amino acids, $Na^+$, $K^+$, $Cl^-$, $Ca^{2+}$) through specific membrane channel or carrier proteins.

Osmosis

Passive transport of water across a selectively permeable membrane from higher water potential (lower solute) to lower water potential (higher solute), often via aquaporins.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against their concentration gradient ($\text{low} \rightarrow \text{high}$) requiring energy ($\text{ATP}$).

Endocytosis

taking atoms into a cell

Exocytosis

taking atoms outside of a cell