Cells and Their Functions

Flashcards related to the structure and functions of cells, including terminology related to cell biology.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Plasma Membrane

The outer layer of the cell that regulates what enters and leaves.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against a concentration gradient using energy.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing it to swell.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than the inside of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Endocytosis

The process of taking material into the cell by vesicle formation.

Exocytosis

The process of moving materials out of the cell via vesicles.

Gene Mutation

A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that can lead to diseases like cancer.

Chromosome

Structures within cells that contain DNA; units of heredity.

Nucleus

The largest organelle that contains chromosomes and nucleolus.

Ribosome

Cell organelles that synthesize proteins.

Cilia

Short hair-like projections that move fluids around cells.

Flagellum

Long, whip-like structures that allow cells to move.

Plasma Membrane Proteins

Proteins in the membrane that assist with transport, signaling, and cell identity.

Cancer

A disease involving uncontrolled cell division.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to cancer.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance between the nuclear membrane and plasma membrane that contains organelles.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Vesicular Transport

Type of transport involving the movement of materials in vesicles.

Organelles

Specialized structures in the cell that perform distinct functions.