Unit 5: Cell Biology Flashcards

The basic unit of life which all living things are made of.

Organism composed of a single cell.

Organism composed of more than 1 cell.

A differentiated structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

A cell that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells.
Contains linear DNA.
Can be unicellular or multicellular.

A cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.
Unicellular.

A group of cells working together to perform a function

The 'brain' of the cell. Organelle that contains DNA and controls the functions of the cell.

Organelles that are the site of cellular respiration (process that converts energy in glucose into useable energy, ATP)

'Powerhouse' of the cell

Small organelles found in all cells, made of RNA and protein; sites of protein synthesis.

'Workbenches of the cell'

A network of membranes in an eukaryotic cell that is interconnected with the outer nuclear membrane that allow for transport of material.

Two types:
Rough ER - has ribosomes attached for protein synthesis.
Smooth ER - detoxifies and lipid/carbohydrate synthesis

A membranous organelle in an eukaryotic cell that modifies, packages, sorts and transports molecules of the cell.

The 'post office' of the cell.

The organelle where photosynthesis occurs (process that converts solar energy into glucose); contains chlorophyll. NOT in animal cells.

A membrane-bound compartment that stores water, waste, and ions. NOT in animal cells.

A rigid structure surrounding a cell, outside the cell membrane, that gives the cell support and shape; made of cellulose.
NOT in animals cells.

A prokaryotic unicellular organism.

Membrane is fluid/flexible with components floating throughout.
1. Made primarily of phospholipids.
2. Proteins - help transport material across membrane.
3. Glycolipid - carbohydrate attached to phospholipid - recognition of the cell
4. Glycoprotein - carbohydrate attached to proteins.

Cell membrane allows some molecules to enter and leave the cell, but not all materials.

A collection of tissues joined in a structural unit to serve a common function, such as stomach, small intestine.

Movement of materials across a membrane that does NOT require energy from the cell. Movement of material with the concentration gradient (from HIGH concentration to LOW concentration).

Type of passive transport (does NOT require energy) in which atoms and molecules move from an area where they are more concentrated to an area where they are less concentrated.

Diffusion of water into or out of the cell. Form of passive transport (does NOT require energy. Moves from high water concentration to low water concentration.

Type of passive transport (does NOT require energy) that uses a protein as a channel.
Movement of material from high concentration to low concentration.

Movement of materials across a membrane that REQUIRES an input of energy from a cell. Movement of material against the concentration gradient (from LOW concentration to HIGH concentration).

A type of active transport (REQUIRES energy) used to bring materials into the cell using a vacuole.

A type of active transport (REQUIRES energy) used to move material out of the cell using a vacuole.

Maintains, by active transport, the resting potential of a nerve cell by pumping sodium ions (Na+) into a cell and potassium ions (K+) out of a cell to keep the interior of the cell negative in relation to the cell's external environment, which is positive. Reverses charges - interior becomes positive and exterior become negative when an action potential is activated sending a message down the nerve cell.

A group of organs that work together to perform a certain task, such as digestive system, nervous system etc.

An individual form of life, such as a plant, animal, bacterium, protist, or fungus.
In an multicelled organism, it consists of a body made up of organ systems that work together to carry on the various processes of life.

Membrane that surrounds all cells and controls what enters and leaves the cell. Composed of 2 layers of phospholipids.

The construction of the cell membrane - 2 layers of phospholipids arranged where the polar heads point outwards and nonpolar tails point inwards.

Proteins that are embedded in the cell membrane involved with facilitated diffusion and active transport.

The difference in concentration of molecules across a membrane.
Material will naturally move from high concentration (where there are a lot of molecules) to low concentration (where there are a low amount of molecules).

A stable or balanced system. The number of solutes on each side are balanced.

A small organelle within a cell, consisting of fluid enclosed by a lipid bilayer membrane.

Consists of the cytosol (liquid part of cell) and organelles in the cell, which includes everything between the cell membrane and the nucleus. Where metabolic processes occur in the cell.

water loving, polar heads on phospholipids

water hating, nonpolar fatty acid chains on phospholipids