Cell Structure and Function Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from lecture notes on cell biology, covering historical milestones, cell theory, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic differences, and cell organelles.

Robert Hooke

English scientist who, in 1665, discovered and named cells while observing a piece of cork under a microscope.

Matthias Schleiden

German botanist who concluded in 1838 that all plants were made of cells.

Theodore Schwann

German zoologist who concluded in 1839 that all animals were made of cells.

Rudolph Virchow

German medical doctor who observed cells dividing in 1855 and reasoned that all cells come from pre-existing cells through cell division.

Cell Theory

Scientific principle stating that all living organisms are made up of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in an organism, and all cells come from pre-existing cells through cell division.

Cell

The smallest unit that is capable of performing life functions.

Prokaryotic Cells

The simplest form of life consisting of one-celled organisms like bacteria with few internal structures and no membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

The most complex form of life, including multicellular organisms like plants and animals, which contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Organelles

Microscopic structures found in the cytoplasm that perform various functions for a cell and may or may not be membrane bound.

Cell Membrane

Structure composed of a double layer of phospholipids and proteins that surrounds the outside of ALL cells and controls what enters and leaves.

Phospholipid Structure

Molecules in the cell membrane consisting of hydrophilic heads (containing glycerol and phosphate) that attract water, and hydrophobic tails (made of fatty acids) that repel water.

Cell Wall

Structure found outside of the cell membrane in plants, fungi, and bacteria that supports and protects the cell.

Nucleus

Organelle surrounded by a nuclear membrane containing DNA and nucleoli that controls cell activities like cell growth and is essential for cell division.

Nucleolus

Structure located inside the nucleus that contains RNA used to build proteins.

Nuclear Membrane

Double-layered membrane surrounding the nucleus containing nuclear pores for materials to enter and leave the nucleus.

Cytoplasm

Usually colorless, jelly-like fluid filling a cell, composed of $70\%$ to $90\%$ water and salt, which gives the cell shape and aids in dissolving waste products.

Ribosomes

Non-membrane-bound 'protein factories' composed of protein and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in two subunits, which are smaller and less dense in prokaryotes than in eukaryotes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Network of hollow membrane tubules involved in the biosynthesis, processing, and transport of proteins and lipids, divided into smooth (lacks ribosomes) and rough (ribosomes embedded on surface) types.

Mitochondria

The 'powerhouse' of the cell that produces energy through chemical reactions breaking down fats and carbohydrates, while controlling levels of water and other materials.

Golgi Bodies

Stacks of flattened pouches called cisternae with a receiving cis face and a shipping trans face that facilitate the packaging and transport of proteins to destinations within the cell.

Lysosomes

Organelles sometimes called 'cell stomachs' because they contain enzymes that digest cellular components and transport undigested materials to the cell membrane for removal.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound sacs containing a water solution used for storage, digestion, and waste removal; large and central in plant cells to help maintain shape, where they may occupy $90\%$ of cell volume.

Chloroplast

Organelle usually found in plant cells containing green chlorophyll, serving as the location where photosynthesis takes place.