Organelles Flashcards
Define Organelle
A subcellular structure that has one or more specific jobs to perform in the cell, much like an organ does in the body
Define nucleus
Contains genetic material or DNA.
Define ribosome
Th site of protein synthesis. Sequence and translate the genetic code into a string of amino acids.
(A ribosome is a complex molecular machine found inside the living cells that produce proteins from amino acids during a process called protein synthesis.)
Define permanent vacuole
Contains cell sap and supports the cell.
(A permanent vacuole is a large, central storage space in plant cells that contains water, nutrients, and waste products, helping to maintain cell structure and pressure)
Define chloroplast
Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells that contain chlorophyll and enable photosynthesis, allowing plants to make their own food using sunlight. Contain chlorophyll.
Define flagellum
A flagellum is a long, whip-like structure that protrudes from a cell, enabling it to move through its environment by rotating or undulating
Define pili
Pili are hair-like appendages on the surface of some bacteria that assist in attachment to surfaces, communication between cells, and, in some cases, DNA transfer.
Define slime coat
A slime coat is a slimy, protective layer secreted by some bacteria and fish, which helps protect against desiccation, pathogens, and facilitates movement.
Define cell wall (cellulose)
A cell wall (cellulose) is a tough, flexible outer layer made of cellulose fibers that provides structure and support to plant cells.
Define cell wall (not cellulose)
A cell wall is a rigid outer layer that provides structure, protection, and support to plant, fungal, and bacterial cells. As cellulose is absent in these cell walls, it can be made up of many other sugars and proteins.
Define chromosomal DNA
Chromosomal DNA is the long, linear molecule of DNA that contains the genetic information in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells or the main DNA in prokaryotic cells.
Define plasmid
A plasmid is a small, circular piece of DNA found in some bacteria that is separate from the chromosomal DNA.
Define eukaryotic
Eukaryotic refers to organisms whose cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Define prokaryotic
Prokaryotic refers to organisms whose cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
Define animal cell
An animal cell is a eukaryotic cell with a membrane-bound nucleus, organelles like mitochondria, and no cell wall or chloroplasts
Define plant cell
A plant cell is a eukaryotic cell with a cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and a large central vacuole.
Define bacterial cell
A bacterial cell is a prokaryotic cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, with its genetic material stored in a single circular chromosome.
