Cell Biology and Organelles Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining cellular structures, organelles, classifications, and functions based on lecture notes.

Cell Membrane

The organelle that regulates materials leaving and entering the cell, protects and supports the cell, and functions as a gatekeeper.

Centrioles

Organelles involved in cell division, colloquially referred to as the 'churos of the cell'.

Lysosome

An organelle that breaks down lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins into small recyclable molecules; known as 'suicide sacs' or 'cell ninjas'.

Cytoskeleton

A structural framework that maintains cell shape and is involved in movement, composed of microfilaments and microtubules.

Microfilaments

The smaller structures that make up the cytoskeleton.

Microtubules

The bigger structures that make up the cytoskeleton.

Ribosomes

Structures made of RNA and protein that build proteins by reading DNA instructions.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum that makes lipids, helps with detoxification, and handles calcium storage.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum that makes and processes proteins.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and other materials that arrive from the ER.

Mitochondria

Organelles that convert chemical energy stored in food into compounds (ATP) that are more convenient for the cell to use.

Chloroplast

An organelle that converts solar energy into chemical energy stored in food; not found in animal cells.

Cell Wall

This organelle shapes, supports, and protects the cell; not found in animal cells

Prokaryotic Cells

Simpler and smaller cell classifications, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cell classifications (including plant and animal cells) in which the nucleus separates the genetic material from the rest of the cell.

Nucleus

The cellular structure that contains all the cell's DNA and includes coded instructions for building proteins and other molecules.

Vacuoles

Bigger cellular structures that store materials like water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Vesicles

Smaller cellular structures that store materials like water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates.