Cell Organelles and Structures – Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major cellular organelles, vesicles, and related structures discussed in the lecture notes.

Golgi Complex (Golgi Body)

An ER-derived organelle abundant in secretory cells; packages cell products such as enzymes into membrane-bound sacs for intracellular use or exocytosis.

Transport Vesicle

A membrane-bound sac that buds from rough ER to carry newly synthesized proteins to the Golgi complex.

Transfer Vesicle

A vesicle that shuttles materials between the cisternae (compartments) of the Golgi complex.

Secretory Vesicle

A membranous sac formed by the Golgi complex that contains packaged products ready for release from the cell via exocytosis.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

ER studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins destined for membranes, organelles, or secretion.

Ribosome

An organelle made of RNA and protein that serves as the site of translation, converting mRNA blueprints into polypeptide chains.

Polyribosome (Polysome)

A cluster of ribosomes simultaneously translating a single mRNA molecule in the cytoplasm.

Proteasome

A barrel-shaped cytosolic organelle containing proteases that degrade unneeded or faulty proteins into reusable amino acids.

Centriole

A cylindrical structure that helps organize microtubules into spindle fibers essential for mitosis; two centrioles form a centrosome.

Centrosome

The microtubule-organizing center of the cell, composed of a pair of centrioles and surrounding matrix; initiates spindle formation during cell division.

Microtubule

A tiny hollow protein tube forming part of the cytoskeleton; functions in cell shape, intracellular transport, spindle fiber formation, and as the core of cilia and flagella.

Spindle Fiber

A microtubule structure emanating from centrosomes that attaches to chromosomes and orchestrates their movement during mitosis.

Cilium (plural: Cilia)

A short, hair-like projection containing microtubules; moves fluid across the surface of cells lining airways or uterine tubes.

Flagellum (plural: Flagella)

A long, whip-like projection powered by microtubules; propels sperm cells.

Mitochondrion (plural: Mitochondria)

A double-membraned organelle that uses oxygen to produce ~95 % of cellular ATP; contains its own DNA and can replicate as needed.

Crista (plural: Cristae)

An inner-membrane fold of a mitochondrion that increases surface area for enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The primary energy currency of the cell, generated mainly in mitochondria during cellular respiration.