Key Vocabulary - 16. Cells

Cytosol

• The fluid portion of the cytoplasm, excluding organelles, where many metabolic reactions occur.

• The solid part of the cell that includes organelles and cytoskeleton.

• The outer membrane of the cell that regulates what enters and exits.

• The genetic material found within the nucleus of the cell.

Lysosome

• A vesicle containing digestive enzymes used to break down waste materials or damaged organelles.

• A structure that synthesizes proteins for the cell.

• An organelle responsible for energy production in the cell.

• A membrane-bound structure that stores genetic information.

Eukaryotic

• Cells without a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

• Cells with a true nucleus enclosed in a nuclear membrane and membrane-bound organelles.

• Cells that only exist in bacteria.

• Cells that can only be found in unicellular organisms.

Pseudopodia

• Temporary projections of the cell membrane and cytoplasm used by some cells (e.g., amoeba) for movement and engulfing food.

• Permanent structures used for cell division in bacteria.

• Small hair-like structures that help in the locomotion of sperm cells.

• Chemical signals released by cells to communicate with each other.

Plasmids

• Small, circular DNA molecules found in prokaryotes that are separate from the chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently.

• Linear DNA molecules found in eukaryotes that are part of the chromosomal DNA.

• Large, circular RNA molecules that are involved in protein synthesis.

• Small, linear DNA fragments that are only found in viruses.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

• Contains ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.

• Lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification of harmful substances.

• Primarily responsible for ATP production.

• Involved in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

• A network of membranes with ribosomes attached; involved in protein synthesis and transport.

• A smooth network of membranes without ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis.

• A type of organelle that stores genetic information.

• A structure that primarily functions in energy production.

Chloroplasts

• Organelles found in animal cells where respiration occurs.

• Organelles found in plant or plant-like protists where photosynthesis occurs; contain the green pigment chlorophyll.

• Structures that store water in plant cells.

• Cellular components responsible for protein synthesis.

Ribosome

• Small organelles that synthesize proteins from amino acids.

• Large structures that store genetic information.

• Cellular components that produce energy through respiration.

• Membrane-bound organelles that detoxify harmful substances.

Prokaryotic

• Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

• Cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Genetic material is in the cytoplasm (nucleoid region).

• Cells that undergo mitosis for reproduction.

• Cells that are only found in multicellular organisms.