Cells: Basic Unit of Life Flashcards
All organisms are composed of
organic (carbon-based) molecules
living organisms are made up of cells that can be unicellular or multi-cellular
Cellular Organization
It is the ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions (example: body temp, pH level, water level)
Homeostasis
living processes consist of various biochemical
reactions that obtain and use energy
Metabolism
The ability to form an offspring ( may be sexual or asexual)
Reproduction
Multidisciplinary study that investigates the molecular basis of life
Biochemistry
Fundamental units of life. They are functional and highly organized entities
Cells
Types of biomolecules
Proteins
Nucleic Acid
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Single-celled organisms (unicellular)
Prokaryotic Cells
Can be unicellular or multicellular
Eukaryotic Cells
Primary source of support; maintains the organism’s shape and protects it from mechanical injury
Cell Wall
Directly inside the cell wall; acts as a selective permeability barrier
Plasma Membrane
A compartment that holds the nucleoid (contains small circular DNA)
Cytoplasm
Hair like structures used for locomotion and attachment of food
Pili and Flagella
Composed of a lipid bilayer; provides shape, mechanical strength, protection, and permeability barrier to the cell
Cell or Plasma Membrane
gel-like, water-based fluid that occupies the majority of the volume of the cell
Cytoplasm or Cytosol
Contains the cell’s hereditary information; control the system of the cell in metabolic activities
Nucleus
Provides rigidity to the nucleus; site of DNA and RNA synthesis
Nucleoplasm
Separates components of the nucleus from the cytoplasm; contains nuclear pores that controls passage of biomolecules
Nuclear Envelope
Site for ribosomal RNA synthesis
Nucleolus
involves in the synthesis of membrane
proteins and proteins for export from the
cell
Rough Endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
responsible for lipid synthesis and biotransformation (water-insoluble organic molecules are prepared for excretion)
Smooth Endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
RNA protein complexes responsible for
protein synthesis
Ribosomes
involves in packaging and distribution of
proteins and lipids to internal and external
compartments
Golgi Apparatus
digests excess or
worn-out biomolecules by
endocytosis
Lysosomes
involves in the
ROS detoxification; breaks
down toxic molecules such as
peroxides
Peroxisomes
responsible for ATP synthesis or
energy from the breakdown of
carbohydrates and lipids
Mitochondria
