Cell Structure and Function: Eukaryotic Cells Flashcards
plasma membrane
the phospholipid bilayer that forms the outer boundary of any cell, regulating the cell’s chemical composition
cell wall
a fairly rigid polysaccharide supportive and protective layer that lies outside the plasma membrane of all plant cells
cytoplasm
the contents of the cell enclosed by the plasma membrane, excluding the nucleus
cytosol
the water-based fluid component of the cytoplasm
cytoskeleton
a complex network of protein filaments found in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells that maintains a cell’s shape and is necessary for cell division, signaling, and movement
extracellular matrix
functions in the support and protection of the cell, as well as in cell-cell communication and association
organelle
a discrete, membrane-enclosed cytoplasmic structure with a specific function
nucleus
the organelle in a eukaryotic cell that contains the genetic blueprint of DNA organized into chromatin and chromosomes
histones
proteins found in the nucleus that function in the packaging of chromatin
nucleolus
a region of the nucleus that specializes in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, ribosomal proteins (imported from the cytoplasmic site of rRNA synthesis), and ribosomal subunit assembly
Vesicle
a small, membrane-enclosed sac found in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells
Vacuole
a water-filled sac that serves various functions in the cell, including transport, structural support, and isolation of waste and harmful materials; formed from the fusion of smaller vesicles
central vacuole
a large membranous sac in a mature plant cell that helps to maintain cell shape and can be used to store nutrients and anti-herbivory chemicals
lysosome
specialized vesicle with an acidic lumen containing enzymes that break down macromolecules and bacterial cell walls
peroxisome
an organelle containing enzymes that transfer hydrogen (H2) from various substrates to oxygen (O2) producing and then degrading hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)