General Biology Flashcards
Nucleus
contains genetic info & controls activities in cell
plasma/ cell membrane
a semipermeable membrane that separates the contents of the cell from the surrounding interstitial fluid
cytoplasm
fluid matrix found between the plasma membrane and the nucleus. acts as scaffolding for the organelles
organelles
“little organs”. specialized units in the cell that perform certain functions.
mitochondria
locations for cellular respiration, that is, the conversion of food to energy at the cellular level. sites of energy production and (ATP)
ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
chemical the cell uses to store and transfer energy within itself
ribosomes
the sites of protein synthesis in the cell
Endoplasmic Reticulum
serves as means of transport within the cell and is made up of many channels
Rough ER
has ribosomes on its surface. stores and delivers the proteins made by the attached ribosomes
Smooth ER
free of ribosomes and found in variety of cells. Performs functions in different cells including the storage of enzymes and minerals and the folding of proteins. thought to be involved in the detoxification of chemicals and the metabolism of fats.
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. these sacs are responsible for digesting cell structures that are no longer living, or malfunctioning, and for digestive waste
cell wall
plant cells are surrounded by this. cell walls contain chloroplast. essential for protection of cell and maintenance of shape, and water balance.
chloroplasts
contain chlorophyll which is necessary for photosynthesis
vacuoles
plant cells have large ones. compartments in the cytoplasm that act as places for secretion, excretion, and storage
tissues
cells with a common structure and function make up tissues
Muscle tissue
skeletal
cardiac
smooth
Epithelial tissue
skin
the lining of organs
Nervous tissue
Neurons
Connective tissue
cartilage
blood
fat
bone
organ
various tissues are combined into an organ
diffusion
particles move in a random manner, spreading evenly throughout an available space and moving from regions of high concentration to those of low concentration, osmosis is a type of diffusion that is water
osmosis
water moves from area of high water concentration (low particle concentration) to an area of low water concentration (high particle concentration)
primary consumers
herbivores (plant eaters)
omnivores (plant and meat eaters)
secondary consumers
carnivores (meat eaters) or omnivores that eat herbivores
Tertiary consumers
carnivores that eat other carnivores or omnivores
autotrophs
produce own food from inorganic substances
plants are autotrophs
Heterotrophs
obtain their food by consuming other plants or animals
decomposers
bacteria and fungi which consume nonliving organic material and release inorganic material
photosynthesis
chlorophyll located in the chloroplasts of plant cells, absorbs light energy. this energy drives the synthesis of food molecules
photosynthesis
carbon dioxide + water + light energy —> carbohydrates + oxygen
golgi apparatus
a complex of vesicles and folded membranes within the cytoplasm of most eukaryotic cells, involved in secretion and intracellular transport.
