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Chapter 4 Cell Struc
Cell Structure and Function Objectives
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| cell | the smallest unit that can perform all life processes |
| cell theory | the theory that states that all living things are made up of cells, that cells are the basic units of organisms, and that cells come only from existing cells |
| plasma membrane | The cell’s outer membrane made up of a two layers of phospholipids with embedded proteins. It separates the contents of the cell from its outside environment, and it regulates what enters and exits the cell. |
| cytoplasm | the region of the cell within the membrane that includes the fluid, the cytoskeleton, and all of the organelles except the nucleus |
| cytosol | the soluble portion of the cytoplasm, which includes molecules and small particles, such as ribosomes, but not the organelles covered with membranes |
| nucleus | in a eukaryotic cell, a membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell’s DNA and that has a role in processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction |
| prokaryote | a single-celled organism that does not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles |
| eukaryote | an organism made up of cells that have a nucleus enclosed by a membrane, multiple chromosomes, and a mitotic cycle |
| organelle | one of the small bodies that are found in the cytoplasm of a cell and that are specialized to perform a specific function |
| tissue | a group of similar cells that perform a common function |
| organ | a collection of tissues that carry out a specialized function of the body |
| organ system | a group of organs that work together to perform body functions |
| phospholipid bilyar | The two layers of phospholipids arranged in such a way that their hydrophobic tails are projecting inwards while their polar head groups are projecting on the outside surfaces |
| chromosome | in a eukaryotic cell, one of the structures in the nucleus that are made up of DNA and protein; in a prokaryotic cell, the main ring of DNA |
| nuclear envelope | the double membrane that surrounds the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell |
| nucleolus | the part of the eukaryotic nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized |
| ribosome | a cell organelle composed of RNA and protein; the site of protein synthesis |
| mitochondria | in eukaryotic cells, the cell organelle that is surrounded by two membranes and that is the site of cellular respiration, which produces ATP |
| endoplasmic reticulum | a system of membranes that is found in a cell's cytoplasm and that assists in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and in the production of lipids |
| golgi apparatus | a cell organelle that helps make and package materials to be transported out of the cell |
| lysosome | a cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes |
| cytoskeleton | the cytoplasmic network of protein filaments that plays an essential role in cell movement, shape, and division |
| microtubule | one of the small, tubular fibers composed of the protein tubulin that are found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, that compose the cytoskeleton, and that play a role in cell structure and movement |
| microfilament | a fiber found inside eukaryotic cells that is composed mainly of the protein actin and that has a role in cell structure and movement |
| cillium | a hairlike structure arranged in tightly packed rows that projects from the surface of some cells |
| flagellum | a long, hairlike structure that grows out of a cell and enables the cell to move |
| centriole | an organelle that is active during mitosis |
| cell wall | a rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane and provides support to the cell |
| central vacuole | a large cavity or sac that is found in plant cells or protozoans and that contains air or partially digested food |
| plastid | an organelle of plant cells that contains specific substances and performs specific functions for the cell |
| chloroplast | an organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs |
| thylakoid | a membrane system found within chloroplasts that contains the components for photosynthesis |
| chlorophyll | a green pigment that is present in most plant cells, that gives plants their characteristic green color, and that reacts with sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to form carbohydrates |