Eukaryotic Cells - Page 1 Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell theory, organelles, and tissue types from Page 1 notes.

Cell Theory

All living things are made of one or more cells; cells are the smallest unit of life; new cells arise from division of preexisting cells; cells are the building blocks of organisms.

Cell membrane (plasma membrane)

Outer boundary of the cell composed of lipids and proteins; separates the cell’s interior from the exterior environment.

Organelle

A structure inside eukaryotic cells with a specific function.

Vesicle

Membrane-bound sacs used for storage and transport of substances within the cell.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes; site of protein synthesis.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Endoplasmic reticulum lacking ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and other functions.

Golgi Apparatus

Stack of flattened membranes that receives, sorts, processes, and ships proteins (the cell’s 'warehouse').

Mitochondria

Double-membrane-bound organelle that produces ATP; known as the powerhouse of the cell.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Primary energy currency of the cell.

Lysosome

Digestive organelle containing enzymes; breaks down waste and unwanted materials.

Peroxisome

Specialized metabolic vesicle that carries out oxidation and detoxification reactions.

Vacuole

Large vesicle involved in storage and other functions; derived from the ER and Golgi.

Nucleus

Largest organelle with a double membrane; contains DNA and chromosomes; control center of the cell.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Molecule that carries genetic information; located within chromosomes in the nucleus.

Chromosomes

Coiled structures that package and organize DNA within the nucleus.

Cytosol

Gel-like fluid inside the cell that contains ions, proteins, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other molecules.

Cytoskeleton

Network of fibers that supports the cell’s shape and facilitates transport and movement.

Cytoplasm

All materials inside the cell excluding the nucleus.

Ribosome

Molecular machine that synthesizes proteins; ribosomes are found on the Rough ER or free in the cytosol.

Epithelial Tissue

Covers exposed surfaces, lines internal passageways, and forms glands.

Connective Tissue

Fills internal spaces, supports other tissues, and transports materials.

Muscle Tissue

Specialized for contraction; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Neural (Nervous) Tissue

Carries electrical signals from one part of the body to another; primarily in the brain and nervous system.