Unit 5_Cell Structure and Function Comprehensive Study Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cell organelles, and theories of cellular evolution.

Prokaryotic cells

Primitive cells that include ONLY Bacteria, lack a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and contain circular DNA in the cytoplasm.

Eukaryotic cells

Complex cells found in Animals, Plants, Fungi, and Protists that possess a nucleus and many membrane-bound organelles.

Cell (Plasma) membrane

A semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm that maintains homeostasis by controlling what enters and exits the cell.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like mixture consisting mostly of water that surrounds and suspends all organelles within the cell.

DNA

Genetic material that stores information; found as a single circular chromosome in prokaryotes and typically linear chromatin in eukaryotes.

Ribosomes

Known as protein factories, these are found in the cytoplasm of all cells and attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum in eukaryotes.

Organelle

Structures described as "tiny organs" or cell parts that perform specific functions for the cell.

Mitochondria

The "powerhouse" of eukaryotic cells and the site of cellular respiration, which produces cellular energy in the form of $ATP$.

Flagella

Tail-like structures used for propulsion or swimming movement, found in both bacterial cells and animal cells such as sperm.

Cilia

Hair-like structures used for wavelike movement, such as those found on lung cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Organelles that act as lipid and protein factories; includes the smooth ER for lipids and the rough ER for proteins.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that protects genetic material, which is usually in the form of chromatin.

Nucleolus

The specific area within the nucleus where ribosomes are created.

Golgi apparatus

The "post office" of the cell that processes, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport via vesicles.

Lysosomes

A specific type of vesicle responsible for digesting substances within the cell.

Peroxisomes

Vesicles that function to break down toxic substances.

Cell Wall

A structure located outside the cell membrane in plants that provides structure and is partially responsible for the crunch of vegetables.

Chloroplast

A green-pigmented organelle found in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.

Vacuole

A storage area for water or nutrients; in plants, the Central Vacuole provides turgor pressure to keep the plant crisp.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The theory that complex eukaryotes evolved from simple prokaryotes when a larger host cell engulfed free-living prokaryotes like mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Binary fission

The replication process used by prokaryotic cells, as well as by mitochondria and chloroplasts found within eukaryotic cells.

Autogenous Theory

The theory that organelles like the nuclear envelope, ER, and Golgi evolved from the internal folding of the cell membrane.