cell Flashcards
(20 cards)
cell
, the smallest unit that can live on its own and that makes up all living organisms and the tissues of the body.
Nucleus
A nucleus, as related to genomics, is the membrane-enclosed organelle within a cell that contains the chromosomes. An array of holes, or pores, in the nuclear membrane allows for the selective passage of certain molecules
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the fluid present in the cell enclosed within the cell membrane that comprises water and enzymes, salts, and various organelles.
Mitochondria / Mitochondrion
Mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles (mitochondrion, singular) that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions.
Cell membrane
The cell membrane, also called the plasma membrane, is found in all cells and separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment.
cell wall
A cell wall is defined as a rigid, external layer that is specifically designed to provide structural support and rigidity. It also keeps the interior components of the cell intact and safe from the external environment.
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are the food producers of the cell. The organelles are only found in plant cells and some protists such as algae. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts. Chloroplasts work to convert light energy of the Sun into sugars that can be used by cells.
Golgi complex
A stack of small flat sacs formed by membranes inside the cell’s cytoplasm (gel-like fluid). The Golgi complex prepares proteins and lipid (fat) molecules for use in other places inside and outside the cell. The Golgi complex is a cell organelle. Also called Golgi apparatus and Golgi body.
Endoplasmic reticulum
Endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membranes inside a cell through which proteins and other molecules move. Proteins are assembled at organelles called ribosomes.
Lysosome
Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed organelles that contain an array of enzymes capable of breaking down all types of biological polymers—proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Vacuole
A vacuole is a membrane-bound cell organelle. In animal cells, vacuoles are generally small and help sequester waste products. In plant cells, vacuoles help maintain water balance.
Ribosome
A ribosome is a complex molecular machine found inside the living cells that produce proteins from amino acids during a process called protein synthesis or translation.
Prokaryote
relating to, or being a typically unicellular organism (as of the domains Bacteria and Archaea) lacking a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles : being or characteristic of a prokaryote. prokaryotic genes. prokaryotic microorganisms.
Organelle
organelle. noun. or·gan·elle ˌȯr-gə-ˈnel. : a specialized cellular part (as a mitochondrion or nucleus) that has a specific function and is considered analogous to an organ.
Eukaryote
eukaryote, any cell or organism that possesses a clearly defined nucleus. The eukaryotic cell has a nuclear membrane that surrounds the nucleus, in which the well-defined chromosomes (bodies containing the hereditary material) are located.
Tissue
A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
Organ system
A system is an organization of varying numbers and kinds of organs so arranged that together they can perform complex functions for the body. Ten major systems include the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and the reproductive system.
Organ
An organ is a part of your body that has a particular purpose or function, for example, your heart or lungs.
Organism
An organism is a living thing that can function on its own. That includes your pet guppy, the tree in your backyard, and — of course — you. While the word organism typically indicates an actual living thing, you can also use organism to refer to anything that acts or functions like a living thing.
