Cell Structure and Function – Core Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental cell biology terms and their definitions drawn from the lecture notes.

Cell

The fundamental unit of all living organisms, composed of molecules and specialized in structure and function.

Respiration (cellular)

A basic cell function that releases energy from nutrients for cellular activities.

Growth (cellular)

Increase in cell size or number through protein synthesis and division.

Excretion (cellular)

Removal of metabolic waste products from the cell.

Irritability

The ability of a cell to detect and respond to stimuli.

Cell Membrane

Selective outer coating that regulates substances entering and leaving the cell.

Nucleus

Organelle that houses DNA and controls general and specialized cell functions.

Ribosome

Particle made of RNA and protein that builds new proteins for the cell.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

Membrane network studded with ribosomes that manufactures, stores, and transports proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Membrane network lacking ribosomes that synthesizes, stores, and transports lipids and other molecules.

Mitochondrion

Cytoplasmic organelle that supplies the cell’s energy (ATP).

Centriole

Cylindrical structure essential for organizing spindle fibers during cell division.

Lysosome

Vesicle containing digestive enzymes that break down worn-out organelles and materials.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages molecules for secretion or internal use.

Mitosis

Process of nuclear and cellular division producing two genetically identical daughter cells.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Molecule that carries genetic information organized as chromosomes.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Molecule present as three main types (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA) that collectively direct protein synthesis.

Enzyme

Protein catalyst that speeds up biochemical reactions, enabling respiration, growth, excretion, and irritability.

Protein

Macromolecule crucial for cell structure, reactions (as enzymes), and synthesis of more proteins.

Gene

Segment of DNA that encodes information to build a specific protein or trait.