BSC 1005 - Ch. 3 Cells

nucleus

membrane-enclosed structure that contains linear strands of DNA (genetic information)

ribosome

granular bodies in the cytoplasm that convert genetic information into protein structure

cytoplasm

jelly-like fluid inside cell

hypertonic

of 2 solutions, that with a HIGHER concentration of solutes

hypotonic

of 2 solutions, that with a LOWER concentration of solutes

osmosis

passive diffusion of water across a membrane, such as the plasma membrane of a cell; the direction of the osmosis is determined be the relative concentrations of all solutes on either side of the membrane

diffusion

passive transport in which a particle, called a solute, is dissolved in a gas or liquid (solvent) and moves from an area of high solute concentration to an area of lower concentration

cell wall

protects and gives shape to the cell

isotonic

refers to solutions with EQUAL concentrations of solutes

lysosomes

round, membrane-enclosed, enzyme- and acid-filled vesicle in the cell that DIGESTS and RECYCLES cellular waste products and consumed material

organelle

specialized structures in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, with specific functions; includes both rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria

phagocytosis

1 of 3 types of endocystosis, in which relatively large solid particles are engulfed by the plasma membrane, a vesicle is formed, and the particle is moved INTO the cell

hydrophilic

ATTRACTED to water; molecules that can mix with water; "water-loving" ; ex. polar molecules that readily form hydrogen bonds with water

hydrophobic

REPELLED by water; ex. non-polar molecules that tend to minimize contact with water

vacuole

a membrane-enclosed, fluid-filled, multipurpose organelle prominent in most plant cells (also some protists, fungi and animals); functions vary but can include storing nutrients, retaining and degrading waste products, accumulating poisonous materials, containing pigments, and providing physical support

Golgi apparatus

an organelle, part of the endomembrane system, structurally like a flattened stack of unconnected membranes, each known as a Golgi body; processes molecules synthesized in the cell and packages those molecules that are destined for use elsewhere

smooth endoplasmic reticulum

an organelle, part of the endomembrane system, structurally like a series of branched tubes; called "smooth" because its surface has no ribosomes; smooth ER synthesizes lipids such as fatty acids, phospholipids, and steroids

rough endoplasmic reticulum

an organelle, part of the endomembrane system, structurally like a series of interconnected flattened sacs connected to the nuclear envelope; called "rough" because its surface is studded with ribosomes

eukaryote

an organism composed of eukaryotic cells (which has a central control structure, nucleus, with the cell's DNA)

prokaryote

an organism consisting of prokaryotic cells (does NOT have a nucleus; DNA resides in the cytoplasm); 2 types: bacteria and archaea; ex. E. coli

plasma membrane

complex, thin, 2-layered membrane that encloses the cytoplasm of the cell, holding the contents in place and regulating what enters and leaves the cell; also called the cell membrane

cell

the most basic unit of life; the smallest unit of life that can function independently and perform all the necessary functions of life

mitochondrion

the organelle in plant and animal cells that CONVERTS ENERGY stored in food into a form usable by the cell for all its functions and activities

chloroplast

the organelle in plant cells in which photosynthesis occurs

flagellum

whip-like projection(s) that aids in cellular movement