Cell Structure and Function

Study Notes

Plasma membrane: a thin, semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and leaves
Cytoplasm: a jelly-like substance inside the cell where metabolic processes take place
Nucleus: the control center of the cell where DNA is stored
Mitochondria: organelles responsible for generating energy for the cell through cellular respiration
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): a network of membranous tubules and cisternae involved in protein synthesis, transport, and storage
Ribosomes: small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm where protein synthesis occurs
Lysosomes: membrane-bound sacs that contain digestive enzymes and help break down and recycle cellular waste and foreign substances
Golgi apparatus: a complex of flattened sacs and tubules involved in protein modification, sorting, and transport

Metabolism: the process of converting energy and nutrients into the components that make up living organisms
Growth and development: cells grow, divide, and differentiate to form tissues and organs
Response to stimuli: cells respond to changes in their environment through signaling pathways and gene expression
Reproduction: cells divide to produce new cells through mitosis or meiosis
Defense: cells have mechanisms to defend against pathogens, such as the immune system

Prokaryotic cells: lack a true nucleus and are typically small and simple in structure (e.g., bacteria)
Eukaryotic cells: have a true nucleus and are typically larger and more complex in structure (e.g., plants, animals, fungi)
Stem cells: undifferentiated cells that have the ability to differentiate into specialized cell types
Epithelial cells: form the lining of tissues and organs and are involved in absorption, secretion, and protection
Connective tissue cells: provide support, structure, and connectivity to the body
Muscle cells: specialized for contraction and movement
Nerve cells (neurons): specialized for transmitting and processing information

Plasma membrane is semi-permeable, regulating what enters and leaves the cell
Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance where metabolic processes take place
Nucleus is the control center of the cell, storing DNA
Mitochondria generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein synthesis, transport, and storage
Ribosomes are found throughout the cytoplasm, synthesizing proteins
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes, breaking down and recycling cellular waste and foreign substances
Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and transports proteins

Metabolism converts energy and nutrients into living organism components
Cells grow, divide, and differentiate for growth and development
Cells respond to environmental changes through signaling pathways and gene expression
Cell division produces new cells through mitosis or meiosis
Defense mechanisms protect against pathogens, including the immune system

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus, are small and simple, and include bacteria
Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus, are larger and more complex, and include plants, animals, and fungi
Stem cells are undifferentiated, able to differentiate into specialized cell types
Epithelial cells form tissue and organ linings, facilitating absorption, secretion, and protection
Connective tissue cells provide support, structure, and connectivity to the body
Muscle cells are specialized for contraction and movement
Nerve cells (neurons) are specialized for transmitting and processing information