Animal and Plant Cell Flashcards

Key Cell Components

• Cell Membrane

  • Semipermeable barrier controlling entry and exit of substances
  • Composed of phospholipid bilayer

• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

  • Synthesizes lipids for cell membrane
  • Detoxifies harmful metabolic byproducts

• Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

  • Studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis and modification

• Golgi Apparatus

  • Processes, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion
  • Involved in the cell’s export activities

• Lysosome

  • Contains digestive enzymes to break down large macromolecules
  • Plays a key role in waste disposal and recycling

• Microtubule

  • Essential part of the cytoskeleton providing structural support
  • Helps in cell shape maintenance and intracellular transport

• Mitochondria

  • Known as the powerhouse of the cell
  • Converts glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for energy

• Nucleus

  • Central organelle housing genetic material (DNA)
  • Regulates cellular activities such as growth and reproduction

• Ribosome

  • Site of protein synthesis
  • Can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the RER

• Nucleolus

  • Located within the nucleus, responsible for ribosome production
  • A dense region crucial for ribosomal RNA synthesis

• Cytoplasm

  • Gel-like substance filling the cell, allowing organelles to remain in place
  • Medium for biochemical reactions and cellular processes

• Large Central Vacuole

  • Storage center for water, salts, nutrients, and proteins
  • Maintains cell turgor pressure in plant cells

• Cell Wall

  • Rigidity and strength, providing structural support to the plant cell
  • Located outside the cell membrane, composed mainly of cellulose

• Chloroplast

  • Organelles that perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy
  • Contains chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for green color and light absorption

Explore the essential components of animal and plant cells with this engaging set of flashcards. Each card includes a key term and its definition, helping you understand the functions of various cell structures. Perfect for biology students or anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of cellular biology.