Cell Biology - Key Concepts

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and concepts from Cell Biology lecture notes on cell components and functions.

Plasma Membrane

The outer boundary of the cell, consisting of a lipid bilayer and proteins.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, mediating control through DNA.

Cytoplasm

The fluid inside the cell, containing cytosol, organelles, and inclusions.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis; comes in smooth (SER) and rough (RER) forms.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.

Lysosome

An organelle that contains enzymes to digest unwanted molecules.

Ribosome

A cellular structure that synthesizes proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Microvilli

Projections that increase surface area of cells, commonly found in epithelial cells.

Tight Junction

A type of cell junction that prevents substances from passing between cells.

Desmosome

A type of cell junction that provides mechanical strength by linking adjacent cells.

Gap Junction

A type of junction that allows communication between cells by connecting their cytoplasm.

Mitochondrion

An organelle that generates energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers providing structure and shape to the cell.

Cytoplasmic Inclusions

Miscellaneous components within the cell, such as glycogen and lipid droplets.

Secretory Granules

Vesicles that store and transport substances to be secreted from the cell.

Projections from cell surface

Structures like cilia and microvilli that serve various functions such as motility and absorption.