Unit 1 (2B): Cell terminology Flashcards
Membrane bound organelle
An organelle that is surrounded by a protective barrier (membrane) that controls what enters and leaves the organelle.
Plasma membrane
The membrane that separates the entire cell interior from the external environment.
Organelle
A structure within a cell that performs a particular function.
Cytoplasm
All contents of a cell, excluding the nucleus but including the cytosol
Cytosol
The liquid/aqueous content of the cytoplasm (contents of a cell)
Nucleus
Serves the purpose of protecting/confining the genetic information (DNA). The nucleus is surrounded by a double membrane layer.
Ribosome
The cellular machinery responsible for making proteins. These may float freely in the cytoplasm or be found attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
Acts as a host for ribosomes to come and go as they produce proteins and then acts as a storage unit for these proteins.
Soft endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
Its main job is to produce products like hormones and lipids.
Golgi apparatus
Organelle responsible for processing lipid and protein molecules, particularly ones set to be exported outside of the cell.
Lysosome
A membrane vesicle containing digestive enzymes. This breaks down waste and toxins and acts as the cell’s garbage disposal.
Mitochondrion (pl. Mitochondria)
Mitochondria are the site of aerobic cellular
respiration, a chemical reaction that produces the ATP required to power
cellular processes. It is a double membrane bound organelle and also contains its own DNA and ribosomes.
Chloroplast
A double membrane-bound organelle that contains flattened, fluid-filled
sacs that are the site of photosynthesis. Chloroplasts also contain their
own DNA and ribosomes.
Vacuole
A membrane bound sac that is used for water and solute storage.
Plasma membrane
A protective barrier between the intercellular and extracellular environment. In eukaryotic cells, it surrounds both the entire cell and some individual organelles.
