Eukaryotic cells Flashcards
cytoplasm
a jelly-like liquid that makes up the bulk of the cell and contains the organelles
nucleus
an organelle containing the nucleic acids DNA (the genetic material) and RNA, as well as protein, surrounded by a double nuclear membrane with pores
protoplasm
the cytoplasm and nucleus combined
ultrastructure
the detailed organisation of the cell, only visible using the electron microscope
intracellular
inside the cell
chromatin
the granular combination of DNA bonded to protein found in the nucleus when the cell is not actively dividing
nucleolus
an extra-dense region of almost pure DNA and protein found in the nucleus; it is involved in the production of ribosomes and control of growth and division
mitochondria
rod-like structures with inner and outer membranes that are the site of aerobic respiration
cristae
the infoldings of the inner membrane of the mitochondria which provide a large surface area for the reactions of aerobic respiration
eubacteria
true bacteria(prokaryotic organisms)
centrioles
bundles of tubules found near the nucleus and involved in cell division by the production of a spindle of microtubules that move the chromosomes to the ends of the cell
spindle
a set of overlapping protein microtubules running the length of the cell, formed as the centrioles pull apart in mitosis and meiosis
80S ribosomes
the main type of ribosome found in eukaryotic cells consisting of ribosomal RNA and protein, made up of a 60S and 40S subunit; they are the site of protein synthesis
70S ribosomes
the ribosomes found in the mitochondria and chloroplasts of eukaryotic cells and in prokaryotic organisms
endosymbiotic theory
a theory that suggests the mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as independent prokaryotic organisms that began living symbiotically inside other cells as endosymbionts
lysosomes
organelles full of digestive enzymes used to break down worn-out cells or organelles or digest food in simple organisms
apoptosis (programmed cell death)
the breakdown of worn-out, damaged or diseased cells by the lysosomes
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
a 3D network of membrane-bound cavities in the cytoplasm that links to the nuclear membrane and makes up a large part of the cellular transport as well as playing an important role in the synthesis of many different chemical substances
rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
endoplasmic reticulum that is covered in 80S ribosomes and which is involved in the production and transport of proteins
exocytosis
the movement of large molecules out of cells by the fusing of a vesicle containing the molecules with the surface cell membrane; the process requires ATP
smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
a smooth tubular structure similar to RER, but without ribosomes, which is involved in the synthesis and transport of steroids and lipids in the cell
Golgi apparatus
stacks of membranes that modify proteins made elsewhere in the cell and package them into vesicles for transport and also produce materials for plant cell walls and insect cuticles