Chapter 4 Flashcards
(21 cards)
Animalcules
Tiny, microscopic animals (often referring to microorganisms seen under early microscopes).
Cell membrane
The outer layer of a cell that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
Phospholipid bilayer
A double layer of fats that makes up the cell membrane, with water-loving heads and water-hating tails.
Semipermeable
A property of the cell membrane that lets some things pass through but not others.
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death, when a cell kills itself in a controlled way.
Cocci
Spherical-shaped bacteria.
Bacilli
Rod-shaped bacteria.
Spirilla
Spiral-shaped bacteria.
Virulence
The ability of a microorganism to cause disease.
Phagocytosis
The process where a cell “eats” or engulfs particles or microorganisms.
Desiccation
Drying out, often leading to cell death.
Biofilm
A slimy layer of bacteria that sticks to surfaces, like the plaque on your teeth.
Oxidase
An enzyme that helps break down oxygen molecules in cells.
Catalase
An enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen to protect cells.
Lysozyme
An enzyme found in saliva and tears that breaks down bacterial cell walls.
Phagocytosis
When a cell “eats” or engulfs large particles like bacteria to get rid of them or protect the body.
Autolysis
The process of a cell breaking down its own components.
Vacuole
A storage space in cells that holds things like water, food, or waste.
Central vacuole
A large vacuole found in plant cells that stores water and helps keep the cell’s shape.
Polyribosome
A group of ribosomes that work together to make proteins from RNA.
Chlorophyll
The green pigment in plants that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.
