36 Key Terms
- cell theory
- see unified cell theory
- cell wall
- rigid cell covering comprised of various molecules that protects the cell, provides structural support, and gives shape to the cell
- central vacuole
- large plant cell organelle that regulates the cell’s storage compartment, holds water, and plays a significant role in cell growth as the site of macromolecule degradation
- centrosome
- region in animal cells made of two centrioles that serves as an organizing center for microtubules
- chlorophyll
- green pigment that captures the light energy that drives the light reactions of photosynthesis
- chloroplast
- plant cell organelle that carries out photosynthesis
- chromatin
- protein-DNA complex that serves as the chromosomes’ building material
- chromosome
- structure within the nucleus that comprises chromatin that contains DNA, the hereditary material
- cilium
- (plural = cilia) short, hair-like structure that extends from the plasma membrane in large numbers and functions to move an entire cell or move substances along the cell’s outer surface
- cytoplasm
- entire region between the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope, consisting of organelles suspended in the gel-like cytosol, the cytoskeleton, and various chemicals
- cytoskeleton
- protein fiber network that collectively maintains the cell’s shape, secures some organelles in specific positions, allows cytoplasm and vesicles to move within the cell, and enables unicellular organisms to move independently
- cytosol
- the cytoplasm’s gel-like material in which cell structures are suspended
- desmosome
- linkages between adjacent epithelial cells that form when cadherins in the plasma membrane attach to intermediate filaments
- electron microscope
- an instrument that magnifies an object using an electron beam that passes and bends through a lens system to visualize a specimen
- endomembrane system
- group of organelles and membranes in eukaryotic cells that work together modifying, packaging, and transporting lipids and proteins
- endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
- series of interconnected membranous structures within eukaryotic cells that collectively modify proteins and synthesize lipids
- eukaryotic cell
- cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus and several other membrane-bound compartments or sacs
- extracellular matrix
- material secreted from animal or fungal cells that provides mechanical protection and anchoring for the cells in the tissue
- flagellum
- (plural = flagella) long, hair-like structure that extends from the plasma membrane and moves the cell
- gap junction
- channel between two adjacent animal cells that allows ions, nutrients, and low molecular weight substances to pass between cells, enabling the cells to communicate
- Golgi apparatus
- eukaryotic organelle comprised of a series of stacked membranes that sorts, tags, and packages lipids and proteins for distribution
- intermediate filament
- cytoskeletal component, comprised of several fibrous protein intertw