W9_Cell Structure and Function(medium+hard)

The concept that cells are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms. It states that all living things are made up of cells, that all cells arise from pre-existing cells, and that cells are the smallest unit of life that can carry out all the functions necessary for life.

The ability of cells to differentiate into specialized cell types with specific functions, while maintaining the ability to self-renew. Stem cells play a crucial role in development, growth, and tissue repair.

Simple cells lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid. They are typically smaller than eukaryotic cells and are found in single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea.

Complex cells that have a true nucleus enclosed by a membrane and other membrane-bound organelles. They are found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Plant cells are distinguished by a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts (for photosynthesis), and a large central vacuole for water storage. They also have a nucleus and other organelles found in animal cells.

Animal cells lack a cell wall and chloroplasts and have smaller vacuoles. They have a nucleus and other organelles common to plant cells.

Bacteria are prokaryotic cells with unique characteristics such as a peptidoglycan cell wall and a single circular chromosome. They are diverse and can be beneficial or harmful.

The outer boundary of a cell, selectively regulating the passage of molecules in and out. It is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that control transport. It is vital for maintaining cell homeostasis.

Short, hair-like structures that can be found on some prokaryotic cells. They are used for cell movement - the rotary motion propels the cell.

A thick, mesh-like layer found in the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria. It is composed mainly of peptidoglycan (50-90% of the cell wall) and stains purple.

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall that stains purple.

Bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall that stains pink.

Cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus. They are more complex than prokaryotic cells and compartmentalize functions within organelles and the endomembrane system.

The fluid component of the cytoplasm, excluding the organelles.

A structural network found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It provides support, helps maintain cellular structure, and facilitates movement.

The outermost layer of a cell that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

Cells that can form any cell type in the body, including the placenta. They are found in the early embryo.

Cells that can differentiate into nearly all cell types in the body, except for the placenta. They are found in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst.

Cells that can differentiate into a limited number of cell types, but only within a specific germ layer. Found in various tissues throughout the body.

Cells that can differentiate into only a few cell types, such as lymphoid or myeloid stem cells. Found in bone marrow and other tissues.

Cells that can only produce one type of cell, their own, but retain the ability to self-renew. Found in various tissues throughout the body.

A type of cell division where a stem cell divides into two identical daughter cells, both of which remain stem cells.

A type of cell division where a stem cell divides into one identical daughter cell and one daughter cell that becomes a progenitor cell.

A cell that is committed to a particular cell lineage but has not yet fully differentiated. Found in various tissues throughout the body.

A cell that has fully matured and has a specific function. Found in various tissues throughout the body.

The process by which a cell changes from an undifferentiated state to a specialized cell type. This process involves changes in gene expression and protein synthesis.

Cholesterol acts as a temperature control agent for the plasma membrane: in warm temperatures, it prevents phospholipids from moving too freely; in cold temperatures, it maintains fluidity by stopping phospholipids from packing too tightly.

Glycolipids are lipids with attached carbohydrate groups. They are found only on the outer layer of the plasma membrane, facing the extracellular fluid. This contributes to the asymmetry of the membrane, meaning the two halves are different.

Integral membrane proteins are embedded within the lipid bilayer. They are amphipathic, meaning they have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. Many are transmembrane proteins, spanning the entire membrane.

Transmembrane proteins are integral membrane proteins that extend across the entire lipid bilayer. They play various roles, including forming channels for ion or water transport, transmitting chemical signals, and anchoring protein filaments.

Peripheral membrane proteins are loosely attached to the membrane surface, interacting with the polar regions of integral proteins. They are not amphipathic and don't associate with the nonpolar lipid interior.

Many membrane proteins are glycoproteins, which are proteins with carbohydrate groups attached. These carbohydrates protrude into the extracellular fluid. They contribute to forming the glycocalyx, a sugary coat on the outer cell surface.

The glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich layer that covers the cell surface, composed of the carbohydrate portions of glycolipids and glycoproteins. It plays a vital role in cell recognition, adhesion, and protection.

The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cell. Its structure, composed of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins, allows for controlled transport.

The network of interconnected membranous sacs and tubules within a cell, serving as a manufacturing and transport system for proteins and lipids.

A stack of flattened, membrane-bound sacs (cisternae) that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

Small, spherical organelles surrounded by a single membrane that contain enzymes for digestion of cellular waste and foreign materials.

Organelles enclosed by a single membrane that contain enzymes for detoxification of various molecules, particularly lipids, alcohol, and toxic substances.

Barrel-shaped structures found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells that contain proteases (protein-digesting enzymes).

A network of protein filaments that provides structural support, helps with cell movement, and facilitates transport within the cell.

A fluid-filled region within a cell that is composed of water, dissolved ions, and macromolecules, excluding organelles.

A pair of centrioles arranged perpendicularly to each other. Each centriole has 9 triplets of microtubules. Surrounded by pericentriolar material, which helps grow the mitotic spindle.

Slender, whip-like structures extending from the cell surface. Composed of microtubules arranged in a 9+2 pattern. Used for cell movement.

Small, round organelles composed of rRNA and protein. Sites of protein synthesis.

A network of interconnected membranes that extends throughout the cytoplasm. It includes both rough ER and smooth ER.

ER studded with ribosomes. Its main function is protein synthesis and modification.

ER lacking ribosomes. It plays a role in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and storage of calcium.

A long tail-like structure found on sperm cells. Used for propelling the sperm during fertilization.

Hair-like structures found in groups. They are commonly found in the respiratory system to move mucus.

Cells that develop outside the embryo but are crucial for its survival and development. They include the placenta and umbilical cord.

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into different cell types.

The first cell of a new organism, formed by the union of a sperm and egg.

The three primary germ layers that give rise to all the body's tissues and organs. They are the ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm.

Prokaryotic cells that have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall that will stain purple with Gram's stain.

Prokaryotic cells that have a thin peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall that will stain pink with Gram's stain.

A membrane-bound nucleus is present, the cell compartmentalizes many functions within organelles and the endomembrane system, and the cell possesses a cytoskeleton for support and to maintain cellular structure. These cells make up plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid. They are typically smaller than eukaryotic cells and are found in single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea.

A stack of flattened membranous sacs involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids into vesicles for transport. It can be viewed as the cell's 'post office'.

Cholesterol helps maintain membrane fluidity by counteracting the effects of temperature. In warm temperatures, cholesterol restricts phospholipid movement, preventing the membrane from becoming too fluid. In cold temperatures, cholesterol prevents tight packing of phospholipids to maintain fluidity.

The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cell, essential for maintaining homeostasis.

Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules, meaning they have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) regions. They form a bilayer with the hydrophobic tails facing inwards and the hydrophilic heads facing outwards, creating a barrier between the inside and outside of the cell.

Cholesterol is a lipid molecule that is embedded within the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. It helps to regulate the fluidity of the membrane, preventing it from becoming too rigid or too fluid.

Integral membrane proteins are embedded within the phospholipid bilayer. They are amphipathic, meaning they have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. Many are transmembrane proteins, spanning the entire membrane. They play vital roles in transport, signaling, and anchoring.

Peripheral membrane proteins are loosely attached to the membrane surface, interacting with the polar regions of integral proteins. They are not amphipathic and don't associate with the nonpolar lipid interior. They are involved in various functions on the cell surface.

Attached carbohydrates (glycolipids and glycoproteins) are found on the outer surface of the plasma membrane. They play a vital role in cell recognition, adhesion, and signaling.

Sausage-shaped organelles with folded membranes called cristae and a fluid matrix containing enzymes. They have their own DNA and ribosomes, allowing them to make their own proteins.

The primary site of ATP production through cellular respiration, utilizing oxygen and producing carbon dioxide.

The control center of the cell containing DNA, the genetic material, organized into chromosomes.

A densely staining region within the nucleus that produces ribosomes, crucial for protein synthesis.

The thin network of threads formed by DNA and proteins within the nucleus, containing the genetic information for the cell.

A round or oval structure enclosed by a membrane with pores, containing the cell's genetic material.

The process by which DNA directs the synthesis of proteins, both within the cell and in newly formed cells during cell reproduction.

A membrane enclosed structure within the nucleus that produces ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis.