About this Flash Card Set
16 Cards
by olivia_bennett
Learn the key organelles of eukaryotic cells and what each one does — nucleus, mitochondria, ER, ribosomes, and more. Clear, exam-ready definitions adapted from open introductory biology curricula (OpenStax Biology, CC BY).
Front
Nucleus
Back
Membrane-bound organelle that holds the cell's DNA and directs gene expression, growth, and reproduction. Often called the cell's control center.
Tags
Front
Nucleolus
Back
Dense region inside the nucleus where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is made and ribosome subunits are assembled.
Tags
Front
Mitochondrion
Back
The cell's power plant: uses cellular respiration to convert nutrients and oxygen into ATP (usable energy). Has its own DNA and a double membrane.
Tags
Front
Ribosome
Back
Site of protein synthesis. Reads mRNA and links amino acids into proteins. Found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER.
Tags
Front
Rough endoplasmic reticulum (Rough ER)
Back
ER studded with ribosomes; synthesizes and folds proteins destined for membranes, secretion, or organelles.
Tags
Front
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (Smooth ER)
Back
ER without ribosomes; makes lipids, metabolizes carbohydrates, and detoxifies drugs and poisons.
Tags
Front
Golgi apparatus
Back
Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids from the ER into vesicles for delivery inside or outside the cell. The cell's 'post office.'
Tags
Front
Lysosome
Back
Vesicle filled with digestive enzymes that breaks down worn-out organelles, food particles, and cellular waste. Common in animal cells.
Tags
Front
Vacuole
Back
Storage sac for water, nutrients, and waste. In plant cells, a large central vacuole also maintains turgor pressure and structural support.
Tags
Front
Chloroplast
Back
Plant/algae organelle that carries out photosynthesis, converting light energy, water, and CO₂ into glucose. Contains the green pigment chlorophyll.
Tags
Front
Cell (plasma) membrane
Back
Phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell, controlling what enters and exits. Selectively permeable.
Tags
Front
Cell wall
Back
Rigid outer layer outside the membrane in plants, fungi, and bacteria that provides shape and protection. Made of cellulose in plants.
Tags
Front
Cytoplasm
Back
The jelly-like fluid (cytosol) plus all organelles inside the cell membrane, where most cellular activities occur.
Tags
Front
Cytoskeleton
Back
Network of protein filaments (microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments) that gives the cell shape, support, and enables movement.
Tags
Front
Centrosome / Centrioles
Back
Region near the nucleus (with paired centrioles in animal cells) that organizes microtubules and helps separate chromosomes during cell division.
Tags
Front
Prokaryote vs. Eukaryote
Back
Prokaryotes (bacteria, archaea) have NO membrane-bound nucleus or organelles. Eukaryotes (plants, animals, fungi, protists) DO have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Tags