Cells - Cell structure: Key Terms Flashcards
Resolution
The minimum distance apart that two objects can be in order for them to appear as separate items.
Homogenate
The fluid that results from homogenation.
Photomicrograph
The image that is produced from a transmission electron microscope.
Eyepiece graticule
A glass disk that is placed in the eyepiece of a microscope. A scale is etched on the glass disk.
Stage micrometer
A microscope slide that has a scale etched onto it.
Eukaryotic cells
Cells that have a distinct nucleus and possess membrane-bound organelles.
Prokaryotic cells
Cells that have no nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles.
Nuclear envelope
A double membrane that surrounds the nucleus.
Nuclear pores
Pores which allow the passage of large molecules out of the nucleus.
Nucleoplasm
Granular, jelly-like material that makes up the bulk of the nucleus.
Nucleolus
A small spherical region within the nucleoplasm that manufactures ribosomal RNA and assembles the ribosomes
Cristae
Extensions of the inner membrane in mitochondria and provides a large surface area for the attachment of enzymes/proteins.
Matrix
The remainder of mitochondria, containing protein, lipids, ribosomes and DNA. This allows mitochondria to produce some of their own proteins.
Chloroplast envelope
Double plasma membrane that surrounds the organelle.
Grana
Stacks of thylakoids in chloroplasts.
Thylakoids
In stacks of grana, contains the pigment chlorophyll
Chlorophyll
The photosynthetic pigment in thylakoids.
Stroma
Fluid-filled matrix in chloroplasts, where the second stage of photosynthesis takes place.
Cisternae
Flattened sacs that golgi apparatus are made of.
Tissue
A collection of similar cells that perform a specific function.
Epithelial cells
Cells that line the surfaces of organs and often have protective or secretory functions.
Organs
Aggregation of several tissues that perform a specific role.
Cell wall
A physical barrier surrounding plant cells and bacteria.
Capsule
A mucilaginous layer of slime, covering bacteria.
Plasmids
Small circular pieces of DNA, in bacteria.
Capsid
A protein coat, that coats the nucleic acid of a virus.
Attachment proteins
Essential to allow the virus to identify and attack to a host cell.
Mitosis
The division of a cell that results in each of the daughter cells having an exact copy of the DNA of the parents cell.
Interphase
The period when a cell is not dividing, but DNA is replicated and cell carries out its functions.
Prophase
When the chromosomes first become visible and the spindle fibres develop.
Metaphase
When the individual chromatids line up at the equator of the cell.
Anaphase
When the spindle fibres pull the individual chromatids apart to opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase
When the chromosomes reach their respective poles and they become longer and thinner until they disappear.
Cytokinesis
When the cytoplasm divides and two identical daughter cells are formed.
Binary fission
The process by which cells divide in prokaryotic cells.
