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A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 2: Cell Structure & Functions, including differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, organelle structures, and their roles.
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Cell Theory
Biological principle stating (1) all organisms are made of cells, (2) the cell is the basic unit of structure and function, and (3) all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Prokaryotic cell
Cell lacking a nucleus and membrane-bounded organelles; genetic material lies in a nucleoid; example: bacteria and archaea.
Eukaryotic cell
Cell with a membrane-bounded nucleus and numerous membrane organelles; found in protists, fungi, plants, and animals.
Nucleoid
Region in a prokaryote where the single circular DNA molecule is located, not surrounded by a membrane.
Plasmid
Small circular double-stranded DNA in some bacteria that carries accessory genes, often for antibiotic resistance.
70S ribosome
Smaller ribosome in prokaryotes, site of protein synthesis.
80S ribosome
Larger ribosome in eukaryotic cytosol, composed of 60S and 40S subunits; synthesises proteins.
Peptidoglycan
Polymer of sugars and amino acids forming the rigid cell wall of most bacteria.
Fimbriae
Short, hair-like protein appendages on bacteria used for surface attachment.
Pili (pilus)
Longer bacterial appendage used for adhesion and DNA transfer (conjugation).
Capsule
Gel-like layer outside a bacterial cell wall that offers protection and aids adhesion.
Mesosome
Infolded region of prokaryotic plasma membrane thought to function in respiration.
Flagellum (prokaryotic)
Long helical structure made of flagellin that provides locomotion; lacks the 9+2 microtubule pattern.
9+2 microtubule arrangement
Cylindrical pattern of microtubules (9 doublets + 2 singlets) in eukaryotic cilia and flagella.
Histone
Basic protein around which eukaryotic DNA wraps to form chromatin.
Binary fission
Asexual reproduction in prokaryotes; cell divides without mitotic spindle.
Mitosis
Eukaryotic cell division producing two genetically identical daughter cells with spindle formation.
Meiosis
Eukaryotic nuclear division producing haploid gametes with genetic recombination.
Plasma membrane
Phospholipid bilayer with proteins that encloses the cytoplasm and regulates transport.
Nucleus
Largest eukaryotic organelle housing linear chromosomes and controlling cellular activities.
Nuclear envelope
Double membrane surrounding the nucleus, continuous with rough ER.
Nuclear pore
Protein-lined opening in the nuclear envelope permitting RNA and protein exchange.
Nucleoplasm
Semi-fluid matrix filling the nucleus.
Nucleolus
Dense region inside the nucleus where rRNA synthesis and ribosome assembly occur.
Chromatin
Complex of DNA and histone proteins forming eukaryotic chromosomes.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
Membranous cisternae studded with ribosomes; modifies and transports proteins.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
Membranous tubules lacking ribosomes; synthesises lipids, detoxifies drugs, stores Ca²⁺.
Cisternae
Flattened sacs that make up ER and Golgi body.
Golgi apparatus (Golgi body)
Stack of flattened membranes that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.
Cis face (Golgi)
Receiving side of Golgi apparatus oriented toward the ER.
Trans face (Golgi)
Shipping side of Golgi where vesicles bud off toward the plasma membrane.
Lysosome
Single-membrane sac of hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion.
Hydrolytic enzymes
Digestive enzymes (e.g., protease, lipase, RNase) active in lysosomes.
Phagocytosis
Process of engulfing large particles into a food vacuole for lysosomal digestion.
Autophagy
Lysosomal degradation of the cell’s own damaged organelles to recycle materials.
Autolysis
Self-digestion of an entire cell via lysosomal enzyme release; programmed cell death.
Ribosome
Non-membranous complex of rRNA and proteins that translates mRNA into polypeptides.
Mitochondrion
Double-membrane organelle where aerobic cellular respiration generates ATP.
Cristae
Inner membrane folds of mitochondria that increase surface area for ATP production.
Matrix (mitochondrial)
Innermost compartment of mitochondria containing enzymes, DNA, and ribosomes.
ATP synthase
Stalked enzyme complex on mitochondrial cristae that makes ATP from ADP and Pi.
Cellular respiration
Metabolic process converting glucose to ATP; occurs in cytosol and mitochondria.
Krebs cycle
Series of reactions in the mitochondrial matrix that oxidises acetyl-CoA to CO₂, producing NADH and FADH₂.
Electron transport chain
Series of membrane proteins in inner mitochondrial membrane passing electrons to generate proton gradient.
Chloroplast
Photosynthetic double-membrane organelle in plants and algae containing chlorophyll.
Stroma
Fluid inside chloroplast where the Calvin cycle occurs; contains DNA and ribosomes.
Thylakoid
Flattened membrane sac in chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions occur.
Granum (grana)
Stack of thylakoids in a chloroplast.
Intergranal lamellae
Membranous connections linking grana within a chloroplast.
Calvin cycle
Light-independent reactions in the stroma that fix CO₂ into carbohydrates.
Centriole
Cylindrical structure of nine microtubule triplets; part of centrosome in animal cells.
Spindle fiber
Microtubule structure that separates chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis.
Basal body
Centriole-derived organelle that initiates growth of cilia and flagella.
Endomembrane system
Interconnected membranes including nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi, vesicles, lysosomes, vacuoles, and plasma membrane.
Fluid Mosaic Model
Concept describing the plasma membrane as a fluid phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
Cell wall (plant)
Rigid outer layer of cellulose that provides support and protection in plant cells.
Cell wall (fungi)
Rigid outer layer primarily of chitin that supports fungal cells.
Cell wall (bacteria)
Rigid structure of peptidoglycan and murein that maintains bacterial cell shape.
Linear chromosome
Eukaryotic DNA molecule associated with histones and located in nucleus.
Circular chromosome
Single, double-stranded DNA molecule of prokaryotes attached to plasma membrane.