CELL PARTS Flashcards
Two major parts of the cell
nucleus and cytoplasm
The nucleus is separated from
the cytoplasm by a ______ _________.
nuclear membrane
the cytoplasm is
separated from the surrounding
fluids by a cell membrane, also
called the _____ _________.
plasma membrane
the “headquarters” or “control center” of the cell
nucleus
contains the DNA that holds all the instructions for cell reproduction and protein building.
nucleus
regulates gene expression and coordinates cellular activities
nucleus
the nucleus regulates ____ _________ and coordinates _______ __________
gene expression
cellular activities
A dense, round structure within
the nucleus which is responsible
for ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
synthesis and ribosome
assembly.
nucleolus
Nucleolus is a dense, round structure within
the nucleus which is responsible
for _____
________ and ________
_______.
ribosomal RNA synthesis
ribosome assembly
________ _______formed in
the nucleolus are transported to
the cytoplasm for protein
synthesis.
ribosomal subunits
A double membrane that
encloses the nucleus, separating
it from the cytoplasm.
nuclear envelope
regulate the exchange of
materials (e.g., RNA, proteins)
between the nucleus and the
cytoplasm.
- found in nuclear envelope
nuclear pores
The gel-like substance inside the
nucleus that provides structural
support and houses chromatin
(DNA and proteins).
nucleoplasm
Contains enzymes and molecules
necessary for DNA replication
and transcription.
nucleoplasm
The complex of DNA and histone
proteins that condense to form
chromosomes during cell
division.
chromatin
A set of loose network vital for cell
division.
chromatin
selectively permeable barrier that
regulates the movement of
substances in and out of the cell.
plasma membrane/cell membrane
Known to be the defining limits of
the cell.
plasma membrane
plasma membrane involves different parts such as _____ ____, _______, _________, and ________.
bilipid layer
proteins
cholesterol
carbohydrates
specialized structures that
connect adjacent cells, facilitating
communication, adhesion, and
the regulation of molecular
transport.
membrane junctions
Form impermeable barriers
between adjacent cells,
preventing the leakage of
substances.
tight junctions
Help maintain cell polarity by
restricting the movement of
molecules between the apical
and basolateral surfaces.
tight junctions
Commonly found in epithelial
tissues lining the intestines,
kidneys, and blood-brain barrier.
tight junctions
Provide mechanical strength and
flexibility by anchoring adjacent
cells together.
desmosomes
Resist shear and mechanical
stress, making them crucial in
tissues subjected to stretching
and tension.
desmosomes
Found in tissues like the
epidermis (skin), cardiac muscle,
and bladder epithelium.
desmosomes
Allow direct communication
between adjacent cells by
permitting the exchange of ions,
nutrients, and signaling
molecules.
gap junctions
Enable synchronized activity,
such as coordinated heart
contractions and nerve impulses.
gap junctions
Common in the heart, smooth
muscles,and some neurons.
gap junctions
- a variant of desmosomes
- connects cell to extracellular matrix
hemidesmosomes
supports other membrane junctions
adheren junctions
gel-like substance that fills the interior of the cell, surrounding the organelles and providing a medium for biochemical reactions.
cytoplasm
plays a crucial role in maintaining cell structure, supporting organelles, and facilitating molecular transport.
cytoplasm
tiny, lozenge-like or sausage-
shaped organelles.
mitochondria
the“powerhouse”of the cell
mitochondria
site of ATP production
mitochondria
vital for apoptosis
mitochondria
tiny, bilobed, dark bodies made
of proteins and one variety of
RNA called ribosomal RNA.
ribosomes
actual sites of protein synthesis in
the cell
ribosomes
a network of
interconnected membranes
responsible for synthesizing
proteins and lipids.
endoplasmic reticulum
a system of fluid-filled cisterns
(tubules, or canals) that coil and
twist through the cytoplasm.
endoplasmic reticulum
the cell membrane’s factory
rough er
rough ER was termed rough due to it being filled with ______.
ribosomes
site of lipid synthesis
smooth ER
detoxification of drugs and
pesticides.
smooth ER
produces steroids, e.g.
testosterones
smooth ER
Golgi Apparatus is also called ___________
golgi body/complex
a stack of flattened membranous
sacs, associated with swarms of
tiny vesicles.
golgi apparatus
functions as
the “post office” of the cell,
modifying, packaging, and sorting
proteins and lipids for transport.
golgi apparatus
small, membrane-bound
organelles found in eukaryotic
cells that play a crucial role in detoxification, lipid metabolism,
and reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation.
peroxisomes
peroxisomes is a small, membrane-bound
organelles found in eukaryotic
cells that play a crucial role in __________, ______ _________, and ______ ______ ______ _________.
detoxification
lipid metabolism
reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation
Contains oxidative enzymes that
help break down harmful
substances and synthesize
essential biomolecules.
peroxisomes
a dynamic
network of protein filaments that
provides structural support,
facilitates intracellular transport,
and enables cell motility.
cytoskeleton
3 types of cytoskeleton
- microfilaments
- intermediate filaments
- microtubules
Thin filaments composed of actin
that enable cell movement,
shape changes, and intracellular
transport.
microfilaments
Hollow tubes made of tubulin
that serve as tracks for motor
proteins and help organize
cellular structures, including
mitotic spindles.
microtubules
Rope-like fibers that provide
mechanical strength and stability
to cells.
intermediate filaments
microfilaments enable ___ ___________, ______ ________, and _________ ___________.
cell movement
shape changes
intracellular transport
the
process where cells, especially in
complex organisms, form and
utilize extensions or projections
from their cell bodies for various
functions, including
communication, movement, and
sensing the environment.
cell extension
Short, hair-like projections found
on the surface of some animal
cells.
cilia
Function in movement (e.g.,
clearing mucus from the
respiratory tract) and sensory
reception.
cilia
Example: In the respiratory tract,
_____ move mucus and trapped
particles away from the lungs.
cilia
Long, whip-like structures used
for cell movement.
flagella
Found in sperm cells, enabling
them to swim toward the egg
during fertilization.
flagella
Prokaryotic flagella differ from
eukaryotic ones in ________ and
________ ____________.
structure
movement mechanism
Finger-like projections that
increase the surface area of the
plasma membrane.
microvilli
Enhance nutrient absorption in
intestinal cells.
microvilli
Contain chlorophyll, a pigment
that absorbs light energy for
photosynthesis.
chloroplast
stages of photosynthesis
- Light-dependent reactions
(convert light energy into
chemical energy). - Calvin cycle (uses ATP and
NADPH to synthesize
glucose).
convert light energy into
chemical energy
light-dependent reactions
uses ATP and
NADPH to synthesize
glucose
calvin cycle
provides structural support and protects the cell
cell wall
Composed of cellulose, which
makes it rigid and strong.
cell wall
Regulates water intake and
prevents excessive water
absorption.
cell wall
cell wall is composed of _______, which makes it rigid and strong.
cellulose
Stores nutrients, ions, and waste
products.
large vacuole
Helps maintain turgor pressure,
which keeps the
plant upright.
large vacuole
Plays a role in detoxification and
pigment storage.
large vacuole
Connect adjacent plant cells,
allowing for the exchange of ions,
nutrients, and signaling
molecules.
plasmodesmata
Found in centrosomes, help in
cell division by organizing the
mitotic spindle.
centriole
Play a role in forming cilia and
flagella.
centriole
centriole play a role in forming ______ and ________.
cillia
flagella
While both plant and animal cells
can contain _______, they are
more prominent in animal cells
lysosomes
degrade
biomolecules through enzymatic
hydrolysis, recycling cellular
components through autophagy.
lysosomes
Unlike eukaryotic cells,
prokaryotes do not have a
nucleus; instead, their DNA is
concentrated in the ________, an
irregularly shaped region within
the cytoplasm.
nucleoid
small, circular DNA
molecules separate from the
main chromosome.
plasmids
They often carry genes that
provide advantages, such as
antibiotic resistance, and can be
transferred between bacteria
through horizontal gene transfer.
plasmids
an outer layer
made of polysaccharides that
protects bacteria from
desiccation, host immune
responses, and environmental
stress.
capsule
capsule is made of
polysaccharides
also helps bacteria adhere to
surfaces, making them more
resilient in various environments.
capsule
hair-like structures that
extend from the bacterial surface,
assisting in attachment to host
cells and surfaces.
pili
facilitate bacterial conjugation, a
process where bacteria exchange
genetic material, increasing
genetic diversity.
pili/sex pili
