Cell Biology & GMOs - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, plant cell features, reproduction modes, and GMOs.

Prokaryote

Unicellular organism lacking a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles; DNA located in the nucleoid region.

Eukaryote

Cell with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; can be single or multicellular.

Nucleoid

Region in prokaryotes where DNA is located, not enclosed by a membrane.

Cell wall

Rigid layer providing support and protection; in plants usually cellulose.

Cell membrane

Phospholipid bilayer that controls entry and exit of substances.

Cytoplasm

Fluid inside the cell where most metabolic reactions occur.

Ribosome

Small particle that synthesizes proteins; can be free or attached to rough ER.

Capsule

Outer protective layer in some bacteria; aids protection and attachment.

Flagellum

Tail-like structure enabling movement of the cell.

Pili

Hair-like appendages for attachment and genetic exchange.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotes containing DNA and controlling activities.

Nucleolus

Region inside the nucleus where ribosome components are formed.

Mitochondrion

Organelle producing ATP through cellular respiration.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER studded with ribosomes; site of protein synthesis and processing.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER without ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Golgi apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

Lysosome

Organelle with enzymes that digest waste and cellular debris.

Cytoskeleton

Network of filaments providing support, transport, and shape.

Chloroplast

Organelle where photosynthesis occurs; contains chlorophyll.

Central vacuole

Large plant cell organelle for water storage and maintaining turgor pressure.

Plant cell

Cell type with cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole; capable of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugars) using chloroplasts.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction involving two parents and fusion of gametes; generates genetic diversity.

External fertilization

Fertilization occurs outside the body; common in aquatic species; many gametes, low survival.

Internal fertilization

Fertilization occurs inside the body; higher survival; fewer eggs.

Oviparous

Animals that lay eggs.

Ovoviviparous

Eggs hatch inside the body; offspring are born live.

Viviparous

Live birth with nourishment via placenta or equivalent.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without fertilization; offspring are genetically identical to the parent.

Binary fission

Asexual cell division in prokaryotes producing two identical daughter cells.

Budding

Asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from a budding site on the parent.

Fragmentation

Asexual reproduction where the organism splits into parts that form new individuals.

Spore formation

Asexual production of spores that grow into new organisms (common in fungi, some plants).

Vegetative propagation

Asexual plant reproduction via non-reproductive parts like runners, tubers, bulbs, or cuttings.

GMO

Organisms with altered DNA engineered for desired traits.

GMO objectives

Goals include higher yield, better nutrition, pest/herbicide resistance, longer shelf life, and medical uses.

Advantages of GMOs

Benefits such as more food, economic gains, sustainability, improved nutrition, and reduced waste.

Disadvantages of GMOs

Risks including environmental concerns (superweeds), health concerns (allergies, unknown effects), corporate control/patents, and ethical issues.

Golden Rice

A GMO engineered to produce provitamin A to improve nutrition.