Cell Biology Vocabulary – Flashcards
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prokaryotic cell
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This type of cell lacks a nucleus, but still includes a cell membrane, organelles, cytoplasm, and DNA.
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eukaryotic cell
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This type of cell has a nucleus (which stores DNA), as well as a cell membrane, more complex organelles, cytoplasm, and DNA.
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cell membrane
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A protective barrier made up of proteins and lipids (fats) that encloses a cell and separates the cells contents from the cells environment. Helps maintain homeostasis.
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cell membrane
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A protective barrier made up of proteins and lipids (fats) that encloses a cell and separates the cells contents from the cells environment. Helps maintain homeostasis.
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nucleus
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Organelle in eukaryotic cells which contains the cells DNA.
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DNA
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Deoxyribonucleic acid. The genetic material that contains hereditary information and the information on how to make a cells proteins.
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cell wall
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The rigid, outermost structure of a plant cell that helps give support to the plant cell.
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mitochondria
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Organelle which releases energy from sugar (food) through a process called cellular respiration.
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chloroplasts
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Organelle found in plant cells which converts energy from the sun into sugar (food) through a process called photosynthesis.
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tissue
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A group of cells that work together to perform a specific job or function.
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organ
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A structure made up of two or more tissues working together to perform a specific job or function.
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organ system
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A group of organs that work together to perform a specific job or function.
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photosynthesis
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The process by which cells use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce sugar (food) and oxygen. Takes place in chloroplasts.
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cellular respiration
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During this chemical process, glucose and oxygen are broken down into carbon dioxide and water, and energy is liberated or freed for use by the cell.
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sexual reproduction
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Two parents produce offspring that share characteristics of both parents. Requires sperm from a male and an egg from a female.
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asexual reproduction
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A single parent produces offspring that is identical to the parent.
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animal cell
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This type of eukaryotic cell lacks a cell wall and chloroplasts.
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plant cell
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This type of eukaryotic cell has a cell wall and chloroplasts.
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chlorophyll
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A green pigment found in chloroplasts that capture energy from sunlight.
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glucose
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Sugar produced during photosynthesis and needed for cellular respiration.
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differentiation
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The process in which cells become specialized in structure and function.
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chromosome
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In eukaryotic cells, one of the structures in the nucleus made up of DNA and protein; in prokaryotic cells, the main ring of DNA.
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mitosis
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In eukaryotic cells, a process of cell division in which the chromosomes separate and each new cell receives a copy of the genetic material.
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homeostasis
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The maintenance of a constant, stable internal state in a changing environment.
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cytoskeleton
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Web of protein filaments in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cell that gives the cell its shape and internal organization and is involved in movement
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ribosomes
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Non-membrane-bounded organelles responsible for protein synthesis.
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endoplasmic reticulum
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A system of folded membranes that is found in a cells cytoplasm and that assists in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and in the production of lipids.
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Golgi complex
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The organelle that modifies, sorts and packages substances made by the cell and sends them to vacuoles, other organelles or out of the cell.
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vesicle
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A small membrane-bound sac that functions in moving products into, out of, and within a cell.
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lysosomes
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Small vesicles that contain digestive enzymes and also break down damaged cell parts and reabsorb tissue.
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vacuoles
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Type of vesicle that stores materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates.
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large central vacuole
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In plant cells only, this large vacuole stores water and other liquids as well as provide support for the cell.
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interphase
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90% of a cells life, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases. During this phase, cell prepares to divide by duplicating organelles and chromosomes.
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cytokinesis
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Final stage of the cell cycle where cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
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prophase
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First stage of mitosis, where chromosomes condense and match up. Mitosis I
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metaphase
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Second stage of mitosis, where nuclear membrane dissolves and chromosome pairs align in center of the cell. Mitosis II
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anaphase
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Third stage of mitosis, where chromosome pairs are separated and chromosomes are pulled to opposite ends of the cell. Mitosis III
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telophase
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Fourth and final stage of mitosis, where new nuclear membrane surrounds each complete set of chromosomes. Mitosis IV
