Cell Parts Flashcards
Cell
The smallest unit that can perform all life processes.
Nucleus
The central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth.
Cytoplasm
the material or protoplasm within a living cell, excluding the nucleus.
Cell membrane
the semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.
Cell wall
a rigid layer of polysaccharides lying outside the plasma membrane of the cells of plants, fungi, and bacteria. In the algae and higher plants, it consists mainly of cellulose.
Mitochondria
an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. It has a double membrane, the inner layer being folded inward to form layers
Chloroplast
a plastid that contains chlorophyll and in which photosynthesis takes place.
Golgi complex
Cell organelle that helps make and package materials to be transported out of the cell.
Endoplasmic reticulum
a network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, continuous with the nuclear membrane. It usually has ribosomes attached and is involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
Ribosome
a minute 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.
Lysosome
an organelle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells containing degradative enzymes enclosed in a membrane.
Vacuole
a space or vesicle within the cytoplasm of a cell, enclosed by a membrane and typically containing fluid.
Organelle
any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell
Prokaryote
a microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles. Prokaryotes include the bacteria and cyanobacteria.
Eukaryote
an organism consisting of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is DNA in the form of chromosomes contained within a distinct nucleus.
