Biology Final Exam Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding cell structure and functions, providing definitions for essential biological terminology related to cells.

Cell

The smallest units of life, making up all living things.

Organelle

Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

Prokaryotic Cells

Unicellular organisms that are simpler and smaller than eukaryotic cells, lacking membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that can be unicellular or multicellular, larger and more complex, containing membrane-bound organelles.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell, where energy is produced in the form of ATP.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration without energy.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells transport large molecules into the cell using vesicles.

Exocytosis

The process by which cells transport large molecules out of the cell using vesicles.

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable barrier surrounding the cell that controls the movement of substances in and out.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that holds genetic information and manages cellular activities.

Ribosomes

Small structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Chloroplast

Organelles found only in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Cell Wall

A rigid layer found outside the cell membrane in plant cells that provides structure and support.