Cell Structure and Organelles

Study Notes

Plasma Membrane: A thin, semi-permeable membrane that separates the cell from its environment
Cytoplasm: A jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane 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 and transport
Ribosomes: Small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm where protein synthesis takes place
Lysosomes: Membrane-bound sacs containing digestive enzymes that break down and recycle cellular waste

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)

Metabolism: The process of converting energy and nutrients into the components that make up living organisms
Cell Division: The process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells
Cell Signaling: The process by which cells communicate with each other through signaling pathways
Cell Adhesion: The process by which cells stick together to form tissues

Golgi Apparatus: A complex of flattened sacs and tubules involved in protein modification and secretion
Peroxisomes: Organelles involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and amino acids
Centrioles: Small, cylindrical organelles involved in the formation of cilia and flagella
Chloroplasts: Organelles found in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis

Plasma membrane is a thin, semi-permeable membrane that separates the cell from its environment, controlling what enters and leaves the cell.
Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane where metabolic processes, such as protein synthesis and cellular signaling, take place.
Nucleus is the control center of the cell where DNA is stored, and it plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, division, and function.
Mitochondria generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration, a process that converts glucose into ATP.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is a network of membranous tubules and cisternae involved in protein synthesis, transport, and modification.
Ribosomes are small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm where protein synthesis takes place, reading mRNA sequences to assemble amino acids.
Lysosomes are membrane-bound sacs containing digestive enzymes that break down and recycle cellular waste, maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and are typically small and simple in structure, found in single-celled organisms such as bacteria.
Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and are typically larger and more complex in structure, found in multicellular organisms such as plants, animals, and fungi.

Metabolism involves the breakdown of nutrients to produce energy, and the synthesis of new molecules to build and repair cells.
Cell division is the process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells, essential for growth, development, and reproduction.
Cell signaling involves the transmission of signals between cells, allowing them to communicate and respond to their environment.
Cell adhesion is the process by which cells stick together to form tissues, crucial for maintaining tissue structure and function.

Golgi apparatus is a complex of flattened sacs and tubules involved in protein modification, sorting, and secretion, playing a key role in cellular export.
Peroxisomes are organelles involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and amino acids, regulating cellular metabolism.
Centrioles are small, cylindrical organelles involved in the formation of cilia and flagella, essential for cell movement and sensing.
Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.