Term | Definition |
cells | smallest living organism |
cell theory | scientific theory describing the properties of cells |
generalized cell | cell that is round or spherical in shape and perform basic life functions |
nucleus | the control center of a cell that contains genetic material |
nuclear envelope | the double lipid bilayer membrane that surrounds the genetic material and nucleolus |
nuclear pores | large protein complexes that cross the nuclear envelope |
nucleoli | Dense spherical bodies in the cell nucleus |
chromatin | Structures in the nucleus that carry genes |
chromosomes | barlike bodies of tightly coiled chromatin |
plasma membrane | membrane, composed of three lamina layers, that encloses cell contents |
hydrophilic | has an affinity for water |
hydrophobic | having little to no affinity for water |
tight junctions | junctions that form the closest contact between adjacent cells |
desmosomes | a type of junction that attaches one cell to its neighbor |
gap junction | connections between cells which allow passage of small molecules and electric current |
cytoplasm | the cellular material surrounding the nucleus and enclosed by the plasma membrane |
cytosol | the liquid component of the cytoplasm surrounding the organelles |
organanelles | small cellular structures that perform specific metabolic functions for the cell as a whole. |
inclusions | a foreign substance enclosed in the mass of a mineral |
mitochandria | cytoplasmic organelles responsible for ATP generation for cellular activities |
ribisomes | cytoplasmic organelles in which proteins are synthesized |
edoplasmic reticulum | a network of tubular membranes within the cytoplasm of the cell |
rough ER | a eukaryotic organelle made up of a system of membranous tubes and sacs, that is studded with ribosomes on its surface |
transports vesicles | a round membranous structure that stores and transports cellular products, and digests metabolic wastes within the cell |
smooth ER | a part of the endoplasmic reticulum that is tubular in form and lacks ribosomes |
Golgi | an organelle found in most eukaryotic cells |
secretory vesicles | membrane bounded vesicle derived from the Golgi apparatus |