Cell Structure Flashcards
Cell Theory
a scientific theory which describes the properties of cells. These cells are the basic unit of structure in all organisms and also the basic unit of reproduction. … Cell theory was eventually formulated in 1839. This is usually credited to Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann.
Plasma membrane
the boundary between the cell and its environment. It regulates what enters and exits the cell.
Organelles
Found only in eukaryotic cells and are absent from the cells of prokaryotes such as bacteria. The nucleus, the mitochondrion, the chloroplast, the Golgi apparatus, the lysosome, and the endoplasmic reticulum are all examples of organelles.
Cytoplasm
thick solution that fills each cell and is enclosed by the cell membrane.
Cytosol
liquid matrix around the organelles. Part of the Cytoplasm.
Cytoskeleton
present in all cells of all domains of life (archaea, bacteria, eukaryotes).network of protein filaments and tubules in the cytoplasm of many living cells, giving them shape and coherence.
Nucleus
a membrane bound structure that contains the cell’s hereditary information and controls the cell’s growth and reproduction
Ribosomes
particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins, found in large numbers in the cytoplasm of living cells. They bind messenger RNA and transfer RNA to synthesize polypeptides and proteins.
Cell wall
structural layer that surrounds some types of cells, situated outside the cell membrane. It can be tough, flexible, and sometimes rigid. It provides cells with both structural support and protection, and also acts as a filtering mechanism.
Nuclear envelope
phospholipid bilayer membrane which surrounds the genetic material and nucleolus in eukaryotic cells, consists of two lipid bilayers—the inner nuclear membrane, and the outer nuclear membrane.
Chromatin
Efficiently package DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence
Chromosomes
threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
Nucleoli
a small dense spherical structure in the nucleus of a cell during interphase.
Endomembrane system
endoplasmic reticulum Golgi apparatus vesicles cell membrane nuclear envelope lysosomes endosomes
Endoplasmic reticulum
a type of organelle in the eukaryotic cells that forms an interconnected network of flattened, membrane-enclosed sacs or tube-like structures known as cisternae.
ER lumen
area enclosed by the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, an extensive network of membrane tubules, vesicles and flattened cisternae (sac-like structures) found throughout the eukaryotic cell, especially those responsible for the production of hormones and other secretory
Golgi complex
packages proteins into membrane-bound vesicles inside the cell before the vesicles are sent to their destination.
Secretory vesicles
a vesicle is a small structure within a cell, consisting of fluid enclosed by a lipid bilayer.
Exocytosis
form of active transport in which a cell transports molecules (such as proteins) out of the cell (exo- + cytosis) by expelling them in an energy-using process.
Secretion
movement of material from one point to another, e.g. secreted chemical substance from a cell or gland.
Endocytosis
form of active transport in which a cell transports molecules (such as proteins) into the cell (endo- + cytosis) by engulfing them in an energy-using process.
Endocytic vesicle
Molecules are delivered from the plasma membrane to early endosomes in endocytic vesicles.
Lysosome
membrane-bounded organelle found in most animal cells. They are spherical vesicles which contain hydrolytic enzymes that can break down virtually all kinds of biomolecules.
Phagocytosis
specific form of endocytosis involving the vascular internalization of solids such as bacteria by an organism, and is therefore distinct from other forms of endocytosis such as the vesicular internalization of various liquids (taking it in)