Cell Biology and Organelles

Vocabulary flashcards covering key cellular structures, organelles, and cell division processes.

Light microscope

An optical instrument used in microscopy to view biological structures such as cells.

Phospholipids

Lipid molecules that make up the main structural layer of the plasma membrane.

Integral receptors

Proteins embedded within the plasma membrane that function in cellular signaling and transport.

Rough ER

A membrane-bound organelle that synthesizes proteins formed by attached ribosomes.

Smooth ER

A membrane-bound organelle involved in lipid synthesis and cellular modification processes.

Golgi apparatus

A membrane-bound organelle that modifies, packages, and ships molecules received from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound organelles responsible for digesting cell molecules.

Mitochondrion

A membrane-bound organelle involved in cell energy production.

Nucleus

The main membrane-enclosed organelle containing chromatin and the nucleolus.

Ribosome

A non-membrane-bound organelle that synthesizes proteins.

Centrosome

A non-membrane-bound organelle containing centrioles that organizes microtubules for cell division.

Endomembrane system

A functional cell network that regulates the movement of materials into, out of, and within a cell.

Microvilli

Cellular membrane extensions on the surface of cells that increase surface area.

Cilia

Microtubule-based surface structures on cells used for movement or moving substances.

Chromatin

The complex of deoxyribonucleotides and proteins located inside the cell nucleus.

Mitosis

The cellular process of nuclear division involving distinct phases such as prophase and anaphase.

Prophase

An early stage of mitosis during cell division.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis during which chromosomes separate toward opposite poles of the cell.