vocab Flashcards
cell?
A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
cell theory?
All living organisms are composed of one of more cells.
Cells are the basic unit of structure and organization of all living organisms.
Cells arise only from previously existing cells, with cells passing copies of their genetic material on to their daughter cells.
plasma membrane?
A plasma membrane is a special boundary that helps control what enters and leaves the cell.
organelle?
Organelles are specialized structures that perform specific cell functions.
eukaryotic cell?
Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and other organelles.
nucleus?
The nucleus is the distinct central organelle that contains the cell’s genetic material.
prokaryotic cell?
Prokaryotic cells are cells without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
selective permeability?
Plasma membranes have selective permeability, meaning they allow some substances to pass through while keeping others out.
phospholipid bilayer?
The plasma membrane is composed of phospholipid bilayer – two layers of phospholipids are arranged to allow the membrane to exist in a watery environment.
Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates define the cell’s characteristics
fluid mosaic model?
The fluid mosaic model describes the phospholipids in the bilayer as a “sea” in which other components can float and move around.
Glycoproteins?
carbohydrates (glycogen) attached to proteins
Glycolipids?
carbohydrates attached to lipids
diffusion?
Diffusion is the net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration.
dynamic equilibrium?
When diffusion occurs over a long enough time, concentrations will become uniform, and the solution will reach dynamic equilibrium.
facilitated diffusion?
Facilitated diffusion uses transport proteins to move ions and small molecules across the plasma membrane.
osmosis?
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
isotonic solution?
An isotonic solution has the same concentration of water and solutes as the cytoplasm of the cell.
hypotonic solution?
A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes than the cytoplasm of the cell.
hypertonic solution?
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes that the cytoplasm of the cell.