Cell Definitions Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a cell?

A collection of living matter enclosed by a barrier that separates the cell from its surroundings, the basic unit of life.

What does Cell Theory state?

All living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things, and new cells are produced from existing cells.

What is a prokaryote?

A unicellular organism lacking a nucleus.

What is a eukaryote?

An organism whose cells contain a nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a mitochondrion?

It converts the chemical energy stored in food into compounds that are more convenient for the cell to use. Signup and view all the answers

What does a vacuole do?

It stores materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cell membrane?

It is a thin flexible barrier around a cell that regulates what enters and leaves the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a chloroplast?

An organelle found in cells of plants and some other organisms that captures the energy from sunlight and converts it into chemical energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell wall?

A strong supporting layer around the cell membrane in plants, algae, and some bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a lysosome?

It is a cell organelle filled with enzymes needed to break down certain materials in the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nucleolus?

A small, dense region within most nuclei in which assembly of proteins begins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nuclear envelope?

A layer of two membranes that surrounds the nucleus of a cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is cytoplasm?

The material inside the cell membrane - not including the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What is an organelle?

A specialized structure that performs important cellular functions within a eukaryotic cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nucleus?

The center of the atom which contains the protons and neutrons; in cells, it contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls the cell's activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ribosome?

A small particle in the cell on which proteins are assembled; made of RNA and protein. Signup and view all the answers

What is the endoplasmic reticulum?

An internal membrane system in cells in which lipid components of the cell membrane are assembled and some proteins are modified. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Basics

Cell: Basic unit of life, composed of living matter enclosed by a barrier separating it from surroundings.

Cell Theory

Cell Theory: All living things consist of cells; cells are the fundamental unit of structure and function; new cells arise from existing cells.

Types of Organisms

Prokaryote: Unicellular organisms without a nucleus, representing simpler life forms.
Eukaryote: Organisms with cells that contain a nucleus, indicating more complex life forms.

Cell Organelles

Mitochondrian: Organelle that converts chemical energy in food into usable energy for the cell.
Vacuole: Organelle that stores substances like water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Cell Membrane: Thin, flexible barrier regulating entry and exit of substances in cells.
Chloroplast: Organism-specific organelle that captures sunlight to convert into chemical energy.
Cell Wall: Rigid layer providing support around the cell membrane in plants, algae, and some bacteria.
Lysosome: Organelle filled with enzymes to break down various materials within the cell.
Golgi Apparatus: Membrane stack that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Cell Structure

Nucleolus: Dense region in the nucleus where protein assembly begins.
Nuclear Envelope: Double membrane surrounding the nucleus, protecting genetic material.
Cytoplasm: Material within the cell membrane excluding the nucleus, facilitating chemical processes.
Organelle: Specialized structures within a eukaryotic cell performing crucial cellular functions.
Nucleus: Central structure containing genetic material (DNA) and controlling cell activities.

Protein Synthesis

Ribosome: Small cell particles where proteins are assembled, composed of RNA and proteins.
Endoplasmic Reticulum: Internal membrane system where lipid components of membranes are synthesized and proteins undergo modification.

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Description

Test your knowledge about important cell terminology with these flashcards. This quiz covers definitions related to cells, cell theory, and prokaryotes, providing a solid foundation in cell biology. Perfect for students aiming to understand the basic units of life.