Understanding the Cell Systems

Chloroplasts

Organelles found only in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that holds DNA, functioning like the 'brain' of the cell.

Ribosomes

Organelles that make proteins necessary for the cell's functions; can be free or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Mitochondria

Known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell, they generate energy (ATP) by breaking down glucose.

Golgi Body (Apparatus)

Acts as a 'shipping center,' packaging proteins and lipids for distribution within or outside the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Functions as a transport system for materials within the cell; has two types: Rough ER (with ribosomes) and Smooth ER (no ribosomes).

Passive Transport

A type of cell transport that does not require energy and involves the movement of substances from high to low concentration.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules across a cell membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Facilitated Diffusion

A process where proteins assist in moving substances that cannot easily pass through the membrane.

Active Transport

Requires energy to move substances from areas of low concentration to high concentration.

Endocytosis

A process by which a cell takes in large substances by wrapping the cell membrane around them.

Exocytosis

The release of large substances from a cell by fusing a vesicle with the cell membrane.

Interphase

The longest phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates DNA, and prepares for mitosis.

Mitosis

The division of the nucleus to form two identical nuclei, integral to the cell cycle.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm and organelles between two new daughter cells.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane disintegrates.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align in the center of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis when chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis when two new nuclei form around the separated chromatids.