Cell Structure & Function – Animal vs. Plant Cells

50 vocabulary flashcards summarizing major organelles, cellular components, and related concepts for animal and plant cell biology.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell type with DNA enclosed in a nucleus and numerous membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleus

Double-membrane control center that stores DNA and directs RNA synthesis.

Protein-lined channel in the nuclear envelope that regulates molecular traffic between nucleus and cytoplasm.

Nuclear Pore

Dense nuclear region where ribosomal RNA is transcribed and ribosome subunits assemble.

Nucleolus

The flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein, coordinated mainly in the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Central Dogma

Interconnected membranes (ER, Golgi, vesicles) that synthesize, modify, and transport biomolecules.

Endomembrane System

ER studded with ribosomes; synthesizes and folds secretory and membrane proteins.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER lacking ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and detoxifies drugs or toxins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Stacked, membrane-bound sacs that modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for delivery.

Golgi Apparatus

RNA-protein complex that translates mRNA into polypeptide chains; may be free or ER-bound.

Ribosome

Double-membrane organelle that generates ATP through cellular respiration; present in plants and animals.

Mitochondrion

Folded inner-membrane structures inside mitochondria that increase surface area for ATP production.

Cristae

Primary cellular energy currency produced mainly by mitochondria.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Plant organelle with thylakoids and stroma that performs photosynthesis and has its own DNA.

Chloroplast

Flattened membrane sac in chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Thylakoid

Fluid matrix of chloroplasts surrounding thylakoids; site of Calvin cycle reactions.

Stroma

Membrane-bound storage compartment; size and function differ in plant and animal cells.

Vacuole

Large plant vacuole that maintains turgor pressure, stores pigments, ions, and toxins.

Central Vacuole

Enzyme-filled animal organelle that digests macromolecules and worn-out cell parts.

Lysosome

Programmed cell death often mediated by lysosomal enzyme release; essential for development and homeostasis.

Apoptosis

Internal pressure within plant cells exerted by the central vacuole, keeping tissues rigid.

Turgor Pressure

Phospholipid bilayer envelope providing selective permeability and communication.

Plasma Membrane

Two layers of phospholipids forming the fundamental structure of cellular membranes.

Lipid Bilayer

Rigid, cellulose-rich outer layer of plant cells providing support and protection.

Cell Wall

Structural polysaccharide composing the primary substance of plant cell walls.

Cellulose

Microscopic channels through plant cell walls enabling cytoplasmic exchange between cells.

Plasmodesmata

Network of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments that maintains shape and enables movement.

Cytoskeleton

Hollow protein filament (tubulin) involved in cell shape, intracellular transport, and spindle formation.

Microtubule

Thin actin filament providing cellular tension, motility, and cytokinesis support.

Microfilament

Durable protein fiber that reinforces cell structure and anchors organelles.

Intermediate Filament

Pair of microtubule structures in animal centrosomes that organize spindle fibers during mitosis.

Centriole

Animal cell microtubule-organizing center containing centrioles; key in spindle assembly.

Centrosome

Plant cell site that nucleates microtubules in the absence of centrioles.

Microtubule-Organizing Center (MTOC)

Structure that forms during plant cytokinesis to develop into a new cell wall.

Cell Plate

Small organelle that breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies hydrogen peroxide via catalase.

Peroxisome

Process by which polypeptides attain functional 3-D shapes, often in the rough ER.

Protein Folding

Conversion of harmful compounds into safer molecules, notably within the smooth ER and peroxisomes.

Detoxification

Light-driven synthesis of glucose and oxygen from CO₂ and water in chloroplasts.

Photosynthesis

The activation of genetic information to produce RNA and proteins, regulated largely in the nucleus.

Gene Expression

Property of membranes allowing some substances to cross more easily than others.

Selective Permeability

Cellular structure surrounded by a lipid membrane, enabling compartmentalization (e.g., mitochondrion, ER).

Membrane-Bound Organelle

Microtubule bundles that separate chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis.

Spindle Fibers

Movement of molecules or organelles within the cell via cytoskeletal tracks and motor proteins.

Intracellular Transport

Controlled cellular suicide (apoptosis) crucial for development and disease prevention.

Programmed Cell Death

Accumulation of color compounds (e.g., anthocyanins) in plant central vacuoles for attraction or protection.

Pigment Storage

Nickname for the mitochondrion reflecting its central role in ATP production.

Powerhouse of the Cell

Collective term for DNA that carries hereditary information inside the nucleus or organelle genomes.

Genetic Material

Small membrane sac that shuttles proteins and lipids between organelles or to the plasma membrane.

Transport Vesicle

Coordinated movement of membranes and cargo through the endomembrane system via vesicles.

Membrane Trafficking

Specialized subcellular compartment with a specific function, often membrane-bound in eukaryotes.

Organelle