Bio-4_Tour of the Cell

Chloroplasts

Site of photosynthesis; converts sunlight into energy.

Cell Wall

Provides structure and protection; made of cellulose.

Vacuole

Stores nutrients and waste products; maintains turgor pressure.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; produces ATP through respiration.

Lysosomes

Contains digestive enzymes; breaks down waste materials.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).

Ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis; smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes.

Plasma Membrane

Regulates entry and exit of substances.

Nucleoid

Region containing the cell's genetic material (DNA).

Nucleus

Contains genetic material; controls cell activities.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies and packages proteins and lipids for secretion.

Peroxisomes

Breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies harmful substances.

Cell Membrane

Protects the cell and regulates entry/exit.

Cytoskeleton

Provides structure and support; aids in cell movement.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Network of proteins and carbohydrates providing support to surrounding cells.

Cilia

Short, numerous structures that move fluid over the cell surface.

Flagella

Longer, fewer structures that propel the cell through a fluid environment.

Cell Theory

States that all living organisms are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

Smaller cells have a higher ratio, facilitating efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Endomembrane System

Network of membranes facilitating cellular processes like protein synthesis and waste processing.

Microfilaments

Composed of actin; involved in muscle contraction and cell motility.

Intermediate Filaments

Provide mechanical strength and stability to cells.

Microtubules

Involved in maintaining cell shape and intracellular transport.

Tight Junctions

Seal adjacent cells together, preventing leakage of substances.

Anchoring Junctions

Connect the actin cytoskeleton of one cell to another for stability.

Desmosomes

Provide strong adhesion between cells, especially in stress-prone tissues.

Gap Junctions

Allow direct communication between adjacent cells through channels.