Cell Structure Quiz

Plasma Membrane: semi-permeable membrane that separates the cell from its environment
Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell where metabolic processes take place
Nucleus: control center of the cell where DNA is stored
Mitochondria: organelles responsible for generating energy for the cell through cellular respiration
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): network of membranous tubules and sacs involved in protein synthesis and transport
Ribosomes: small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm where protein synthesis takes place
Lysosomes: membrane-bound sacs that contain digestive enzymes and help break down and recycle cellular waste
Golgi Apparatus: complex of flattened sacs and tubules that modify and package proteins for transport

Passive Transport: movement of molecules from high to low concentration without energy input
- Diffusion: random movement of molecules from high to low concentration
- Osmosis: movement of water molecules from high to low concentration through a selectively permeable membrane
Active Transport: movement of molecules from low to high concentration using energy input
- Carrier Proteins: transport molecules across the cell membrane using energy from ATP

Mitosis: process of cell division that results in two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell
- Interphase: period of cell growth and preparation for cell division
- Prophase: chromosomes condense and become visible, nuclear envelope breaks down
- Metaphase: chromosomes line up at the center of the cell
- Anaphase: sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell
- Telophase: nuclear envelope reforms, chromosomes uncoil
- Cytokinesis: cytoplasm divides and the cell splits into two daughter cells
Meiosis: process of cell division that results in four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, occurs in reproductive cells

Signal Transduction Pathways: series of molecular interactions that allow cells to respond to stimuli
Receptors: proteins on the surface of cells that bind to signaling molecules
Signaling Molecules: molecules that transmit signals between cells, such as hormones and neurotransmitters

Plasma Membrane: A semi-permeable barrier regulating the entry and exit of substances, maintaining homeostasis.
Cytoplasm: A viscous substance where biochemical reactions occur, providing a medium for organelles.
Nucleus: The central organelle containing DNA; controls cellular activities and gene expression.
Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration to fuel cellular processes.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Divided into rough (with ribosomes) and smooth types; involved in synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids.
Ribosomes: Found within the cytoplasm or attached to the ER, these structures synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.
Lysosomes: Organelles containing digestive enzymes; crucial for degrading waste materials and cellular debris.
Golgi Apparatus: A series of flattened sacs which modify, sort, and package proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Passive Transport: Relies on concentration gradients to move substances without using cellular energy.
- Diffusion: The spontaneous movement of molecules from areas of high concentration to low concentration.
- Osmosis: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane, also moving from high to low concentration.
Active Transport: Requires energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient.
- Carrier Proteins: Integral proteins that facilitate the movement of specific substances across the membrane using energy.

Mitosis: Cell division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells, crucial for growth and repair.
- Interphase: Preparatory phase, where the cell grows and duplicates DNA prior to mitosis.
- Prophase: The chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes; nuclear membrane begins to disintegrate.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align along the cell's equatorial plane, preparing for separation.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.
- Telophase: Chromatids decondense back into chromatin; nuclear membranes reform around the two sets of chromosomes.
- Cytokinesis: The division of the cytoplasm, creating two distinct daughter cells.
Meiosis: Specialized form of cell division yielding four haploid cells, essential for sexual reproduction, reducing chromosome number by half.

Signal Transduction Pathways: Complex networks through which cells convert signals from their external environment into functional responses.
Receptors: Proteins embedded in the cell membrane that detect and bind signaling molecules, initiating a cellular response.
Signaling Molecules: Various types of molecules, including hormones and neurotransmitters, that convey information between cells to regulate physiological processes.