Cell Biology: Cell Membrane, Cytoplasm, and Organelles

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on cell membrane composition, transport properties, membrane proteins, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, and endoplasmic reticulum functions based on lecture notes.

Cell

The basic unit of life that varies in size, shape, and function.

Cell Membrane

The outer structure of the cell, also called the plasma membrane, that controls what enters and leaves the cell; primarily made of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

Semipermeable

A property of the cell membrane meaning that some particles can enter while others cannot.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The main structure of the cell membrane, consisting of water-soluble heads facing the outside/water-based environments and lipid-soluble tails facing inward toward each other.

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

Molecules that can pass easily through the lipid portion of the cell membrane.

Large Water-Soluble Molecules

Type of molecules that generally have difficulty passing directly through the lipid bilayer.

Channel Protein

A type of membrane protein that can act like a doorway for certain ions.

Receptor Protein

A type of membrane protein that helps transfer hormones and signals.

Marker Protein

A type of membrane protein that helps identify cells.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance containing organelles and supporting structures.

Cytoskeleton

A framework of protein rods that supports the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle responsible for transporting molecules to different parts of the cell.

Rough ER

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum that contains ribosomes and has the main function of making proteins.

Smooth ER

A region of the endoplasmic reticulum whose main function is lipid synthesis.