Lab Bio Cells and Cell Structure

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that do not have a nucleus and are typically unicellular organisms, such as bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that have a nucleus and complex membrane-bound organelles, typically multicellular organisms, including animals, plants, and fungi.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound structure in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's DNA.

Nucleoid

The region in prokaryotic cells where the DNA is located, not separated by a membrane.

Chromosomes

Structures formed from DNA that are organized and tightly bound in eukaryotic cells.

Ribosomes

Complexes in cells that synthesize proteins; they are larger and more complex in eukaryotic cells.

Mitosis

The process by which a cell divides its nucleus and genetic material to form two new nuclei.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell, containing organelles, where metabolic processes occur.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to the cell's interior, causing cells to swell.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to the cell's interior, causing cells to shrink.

Cytokinesis

The process where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells at the end of mitosis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle in eukaryotic cells where proteins and lipids are synthesized; can be rough or smooth.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies and packages proteins for transport to other locations in the cell.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs within cells that transport materials.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal structures that help maintain cell shape and facilitate transport within the cell.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell is not dividing but is preparing for mitosis.

Anaphase

The phase of mitosis where chromosomes are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where chromosomes de-condense and the nuclear membrane reforms.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction that involves only one parent organism, yielding genetically identical offspring.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction that involves two parent organisms, resulting in genetically diverse offspring.

Cell membrane

The protective barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling the entry and exit of substances.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm, where many metabolic activities occur.