Plant Cell Structure and Functions

A strong, rigid layer made of cellulose that provides structural support, protection, and shape to plant cells.

A network of proteins that provides structural support and helps with movement within a cell. It's always changing to meet the cell's needs.

Organelles found in plant cells that convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) through photosynthesis.

A double layer of phospholipids that forms a barrier around all cells. It controls what moves in and out of the cell and helps with communication.

A type of lipid (fat) that makes up the cell membrane. It has a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) tail.

The process of bringing large particles into a cell.

The cell membrane surrounds a large particle and forms a vesicle.

The vesicle containing the particle fuses with lysosomes, which help break it down.

The process of taking large particles out of the cell.

A vesicle containing particles fuses with the cell membrane and releases the contents outside the cell.

A type of lipid that helps strengthen and stabilize the cell membrane, giving it a more rigid structure.

Proteins embedded in the cell membrane that act as gateways for specific molecules or ions, allowing them to cross the membrane.

The ability of the cell membrane to allow some substances to pass through while blocking others, helping maintain a stable internal environment.

The cell membrane has a fluid and flexible structure, allowing its components to move freely, creating a dynamic and ever-changing surface.

The process where molecules move across the cell membrane with the help of transport proteins, allowing them to enter or exit the cell. Usually, no energy is required for this process.

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

The movement of molecules from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, and requires energy (ATP).

A protein that binds to specific molecules, like a key fitting into a lock. This interaction triggers specific signals, like telling a cell to grow or divide.

A molecule that binds to a receptor and triggers a specific response in the cell.

Receptors found inside the cell membrane. They interact with molecules that cannot cross the membrane and trigger a response inside the cell.

The movement of molecules across a membrane from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. Doesn't need energy input from the cell.

The movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration.

A network of interconnected membranes forming channels within the cell, connected to the nuclear membrane and cell membrane, covered with ribosomes which give it a 'rough' appearance.

A network of interconnected membranes forming channels within the cell, connected to the nuclear membrane and cell membrane, makes lipids, detoxifies chemicals, and lacks ribosomes.

A stack of flattened, membrane-bound sacs that processes, sorts, and packages proteins made in the RER into vesicles for transport.

Small, membrane-bound sacs used for transporting materials within the cell.

A series of steps in which proteins are transported from the RER to the Golgi apparatus, further processed, and packaged into vesicles to be delivered to their final destination.

The basic unit of life, capable of carrying out all life processes.

A theory stating all living things are made of cells, new cells arise from existing ones, and cells are the most fundamental unit of life.

A type of cell lacking a true nucleus, with simpler structures and fewer organelles.

A type of cell with a well-defined nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles, making it more complex.

The nucleus is the control center of a eukaryotic cell, containing the cell's DNA (genetic material) and the nucleolus, which helps make ribosomes. It's surrounded by a double membrane, which is penetrated by pores for communication with the cytoplasm.

Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles responsible for generating ATP, the energy currency of the cell. They have their own DNA and ribosomes, and their inner membrane has numerous folds, increasing the surface area for ATP production.

Plastids are organelles found only in plant cells. These include chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis, chromoplasts, which store pigments, and leucoplasts, which store starch.

Chloroplasts are green plastids that convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy (glucose) through photosynthesis. They have an outer membrane, inner membrane, and thylakoid sacs inside, where chlorophyll is found.

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found within chloroplasts that absorbs light energy, primarily in the red and blue wavelengths, and plays a critical role in photosynthesis.

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain powerful digestive enzymes. They break down worn-out cell parts, materials brought into the cell, and cellular waste.

Centrioles are small, cylindrical structures made of microtubules. They are found in pairs within the centrosome, which is responsible for organizing microtubules in animal cells. During cell division, centrioles help separate chromosomes.

Vacuoles are large, fluid-filled sacs that store various materials in the cell. They are important for maintaining cell shape, storing water and nutrients, and removing waste products.

Centrosomes are regions in the cytoplasm of animal cells that serve as microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). They contain centrioles, which help in the formation of microtubules, which, in turn, help in the separation of chromosomes during cell division.