Behavioural Biology B11: Compartmentalizing & Border crossing - The what, where and how of a Cell

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to cell structure, types, organelles, and membrane transport mechanisms from "Behavioural Biology B11: The what, where and how of a Cell" lecture notes.

Cell

The smallest living unit capable of performing all the activities of life.

Prokaryotic Cell

A type of cell including Bacteria and Archaea, 1-10 μm across, lacking membrane-bound organelles, with circular DNA in the cytoplasm.

Eukaryotic Cell

A type of cell including plants, animals, fungi, and protists, 10-100 μm across, possessing membrane-bound organelles, with coiled, linear DNA in the nucleus.

Membrane-bound Organelles

Specialized structures within eukaryotic cells, each with a specific function, absent in prokaryotic cells.

Cytoplasm

A thick, transparent fluid filling the area between the plasma membrane and the nucleus, containing organelles.

Nucleoid

The region in prokaryotic cells where the circular DNA is located.

Capsule

An outer protective layer found in some prokaryotic cells.

Pili

Hair-like appendages on prokaryotic cells used for attachment or genetic exchange.

Bacterial Flagellum

A tail-like structure providing mobility for some prokaryotic cells.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant eukaryotic cells that is the site of photosynthesis.

Vacuole

A large membrane-enclosed sac prominent in plant cells, involved in storage and transport.

Mitochondrion

The 'powerhouse' of the cell, found in eukaryotic cells, where cellular respiration occurs to produce ATP.

Golgi Body (Golgi apparatus)

A eukaryotic organelle consisting of flattened membrane sacs that process, sort, and modify proteins for export or cell use.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A network of interconnected membranes studded with ribosomes, involved in producing and transporting proteins and lipid membranes.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

A network of interconnected membranes without ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, calcium storage, and detoxification.

Nucleus

The control center of eukaryotic cells, containing the genetic information (DNA) in the form of genes (genome).

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane surrounding the nucleus, allowing communication with the cytoplasm via nuclear pores.

Chromosomes

DNA associated with proteins and organized into structures that shorten and condense during cell division.

Chromatin

The extended form of chromosomes when the cell is not undergoing division.

Gene

A section of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

Genome

The entire collection of genes within an organism.

Phenotype

The observable physical characteristics resulting from the combination of proteins coded by genes (e.g., eye color, hair texture).

Lysosome

An organelle responsible for intracellular digestion of bacteria, lipids, proteins, and worn-out organelles, containing acidic enzymes.

Autophagy

The process by which lysosomes recycle molecules from worn-out or faulty organelles.

Vesicles

Hollow spherical membrane-bound organelles involved in storing and transporting chemicals throughout the cell.

Cellular Respiration

The process occurring in mitochondria where glucose is converted into energy (ATP).

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate, the main energy currency of the cell.

Plasma Membrane

The outer boundary of the cell, separating its interior from the external environment, providing structural support, and regulating substance movement.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The fundamental structure of the plasma membrane, composed of two layers of phospholipids, also described by the fluid mosaic model.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the plasma membrane as a dynamic structure of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded or attached proteins that can move sideways.

Selective Permeability

The property of the plasma membrane to regulate which substances can enter or leave the cell.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across the plasma membrane that does not require cellular energy (e.g., simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis).

Active Transport

Movement of substances across the plasma membrane that requires cellular energy (e.g., active transport, endocytosis, exocytosis).

Simple Diffusion

A type of passive transport where small gas molecules (O2, CO2), water, and lipids pass directly through the plasma membrane.

Facilitated Diffusion

A type of passive transport that uses transport proteins to help substances cross the membrane.

Osmosis

The passive diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Endocytosis

An active process where the plasma membrane engulfs large molecules, bacteria, or liquids, enclosing them in a vesicle to bring them into the cell.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis ('cell eating') where large particles or bacteria are engulfed by the cell to form a phagosome.

Pinocytosis

A type of endocytosis ('cell drinking') involving the absorption of extracellular fluids and dissolved solutes into the cell.

Exocytosis

An active process where large molecules leave the cell by being enclosed in membrane-bound vesicles that fuse with the plasma membrane and release their contents outside.