Chapter 2 – Cell Structures & Functions (Vocabulary Cards)

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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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60 Terms

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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.

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Prokaryotic cell

Cell lacking a nucleus and membrane-bounded organelles; genetic material lies in a nucleoid; example: bacteria and archaea.

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Eukaryotic cell

Cell with a membrane-bounded nucleus and numerous membrane organelles; found in protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

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Nucleoid

Region in a prokaryote where the single circular DNA molecule is located, not surrounded by a membrane.

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Plasmid

Small circular double-stranded DNA in some bacteria that carries accessory genes, often for antibiotic resistance.

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70S ribosome

Smaller ribosome in prokaryotes, site of protein synthesis.

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80S ribosome

Larger ribosome in eukaryotic cytosol, composed of 60S and 40S subunits; synthesises proteins.

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Peptidoglycan

Polymer of sugars and amino acids forming the rigid cell wall of most bacteria.

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Fimbriae

Short, hair-like protein appendages on bacteria used for surface attachment.

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Pili (pilus)

Longer bacterial appendage used for adhesion and DNA transfer (conjugation).

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Capsule

Gel-like layer outside a bacterial cell wall that offers protection and aids adhesion.

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Mesosome

Infolded region of prokaryotic plasma membrane thought to function in respiration.

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Flagellum (prokaryotic)

Long helical structure made of flagellin that provides locomotion; lacks the 9+2 microtubule pattern.

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9+2 microtubule arrangement

Cylindrical pattern of microtubules (9 doublets + 2 singlets) in eukaryotic cilia and flagella.

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Histone

Basic protein around which eukaryotic DNA wraps to form chromatin.

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Binary fission

Asexual reproduction in prokaryotes; cell divides without mitotic spindle.

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Mitosis

Eukaryotic cell division producing two genetically identical daughter cells with spindle formation.

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Meiosis

Eukaryotic nuclear division producing haploid gametes with genetic recombination.

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Plasma membrane

Phospholipid bilayer with proteins that encloses the cytoplasm and regulates transport.

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Nucleus

Largest eukaryotic organelle housing linear chromosomes and controlling cellular activities.

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Nuclear envelope

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus, continuous with rough ER.

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Nuclear pore

Protein-lined opening in the nuclear envelope permitting RNA and protein exchange.

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Nucleoplasm

Semi-fluid matrix filling the nucleus.

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Nucleolus

Dense region inside the nucleus where rRNA synthesis and ribosome assembly occur.

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Chromatin

Complex of DNA and histone proteins forming eukaryotic chromosomes.

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Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Membranous cisternae studded with ribosomes; modifies and transports proteins.

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Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Membranous tubules lacking ribosomes; synthesises lipids, detoxifies drugs, stores Ca²⁺.

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Cisternae

Flattened sacs that make up ER and Golgi body.

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Golgi apparatus (Golgi body)

Stack of flattened membranes that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

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Cis face (Golgi)

Receiving side of Golgi apparatus oriented toward the ER.

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Trans face (Golgi)

Shipping side of Golgi where vesicles bud off toward the plasma membrane.

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Lysosome

Single-membrane sac of hydrolytic enzymes for intracellular digestion.

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Hydrolytic enzymes

Digestive enzymes (e.g., protease, lipase, RNase) active in lysosomes.

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Phagocytosis

Process of engulfing large particles into a food vacuole for lysosomal digestion.

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Autophagy

Lysosomal degradation of the cell’s own damaged organelles to recycle materials.

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Autolysis

Self-digestion of an entire cell via lysosomal enzyme release; programmed cell death.

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Ribosome

Non-membranous complex of rRNA and proteins that translates mRNA into polypeptides.

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Mitochondrion

Double-membrane organelle where aerobic cellular respiration generates ATP.

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Cristae

Inner membrane folds of mitochondria that increase surface area for ATP production.

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Matrix (mitochondrial)

Innermost compartment of mitochondria containing enzymes, DNA, and ribosomes.

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ATP synthase

Stalked enzyme complex on mitochondrial cristae that makes ATP from ADP and Pi.

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Cellular respiration

Metabolic process converting glucose to ATP; occurs in cytosol and mitochondria.

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Krebs cycle

Series of reactions in the mitochondrial matrix that oxidises acetyl-CoA to CO₂, producing NADH and FADH₂.

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Electron transport chain

Series of membrane proteins in inner mitochondrial membrane passing electrons to generate proton gradient.

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Chloroplast

Photosynthetic double-membrane organelle in plants and algae containing chlorophyll.

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Stroma

Fluid inside chloroplast where the Calvin cycle occurs; contains DNA and ribosomes.

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Thylakoid

Flattened membrane sac in chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions occur.

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Granum (grana)

Stack of thylakoids in a chloroplast.

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Intergranal lamellae

Membranous connections linking grana within a chloroplast.

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Calvin cycle

Light-independent reactions in the stroma that fix CO₂ into carbohydrates.

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Centriole

Cylindrical structure of nine microtubule triplets; part of centrosome in animal cells.

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Spindle fiber

Microtubule structure that separates chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis.

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Basal body

Centriole-derived organelle that initiates growth of cilia and flagella.

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Endomembrane system

Interconnected membranes including nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi, vesicles, lysosomes, vacuoles, and plasma membrane.

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Fluid Mosaic Model

Concept describing the plasma membrane as a fluid phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

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Cell wall (plant)

Rigid outer layer of cellulose that provides support and protection in plant cells.

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Cell wall (fungi)

Rigid outer layer primarily of chitin that supports fungal cells.

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Cell wall (bacteria)

Rigid structure of peptidoglycan and murein that maintains bacterial cell shape.

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Linear chromosome

Eukaryotic DNA molecule associated with histones and located in nucleus.

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Circular chromosome

Single, double-stranded DNA molecule of prokaryotes attached to plasma membrane.