Cell Structure and Function Flashcards
cell
smallest living unity and the basic unit of function and structure for all living things
nucleus
part of cell - contains genetic information
DNA
controls the activities of the cell, found in nucleus
plasma (cell) membrane
- known as semipermeable membrane that separates the contents of the cell from the surrounding fluid - interstitial fluid
- contains receptors that bind with specific substances
interstitial fluid
contains substances such as amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, hormones, neurotransmitters, and salts
selectively permeable/semipermeable
selective nature of the plasma membrane - contains pores and channels that allow only particles of the right size or the right chemical nature to pass through
cytoplasm
fluid matrix found between the plasma membrane and the nucleus that acts as scaffolding for the organelles
organelles
“little organs” - specialized units in the cell that perform certain functions
mitochondria
locations for cellular respiration - conversion of food to energy at the cellular level
ATP
chemical the cell uses to store and transfer energy within itself
ribosomes
sites of protein synthesis in the cell - some float freely, other are attached to the ER
endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
serves as means for transport within the cell - made up of many channels
rough ER
has ribosomes on surface, serves to store and deliver the proteins made by attached ribosomes
smooth ER
free of ribosomes and found in variety of cells, performs various functions including storage of enzymes and minerals and the folding of proteins
Golgi complex
modifies and packages proteins destined for use in the cell or for export from the cell
lysosomes
sacs that contain strong digestive enzymes - responsible for digesting cell structures that are no longer living or are malfunctioning, and for digesting wastes
cell wall
- plant cells, contain chloroplasts
- protects cell, maintenance of the shape and water balance
chloroplasts
contain chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis
vacuoles
- plant cells
- compartments in the cytoplasm that act as places for secretion, excretion and storage
chromatin
the form that DNA if found in, loosely structured
chromosomes
when a cell is diving, the form that DNA is seen in, condensed rod-shaped bodies
mitosis
- cell division
- cells are identical when reproduced
- occurs in plant and animal cells
zygote
cell created by the union of sperm and egg
meiosis
- cell division
- like reproduction: half mom/half dad
