Cell Structure

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Eukaryotic Cell Noun

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[yoo-kar-ee-ot-ik sel]

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Eukaryotic Cell

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A type of cell characterized by a membrane-bound nucleus and other specialized organelles within its cytoplasm.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of an animal cell, a type of eukaryotic cell, highlighting its key membrane-bound organelles like the nucleus and mitochondria.

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Prokaryotic Cell Noun

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[pro-kar-ee-ot-ik sel]

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Prokaryotic Cell

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A type of cell that lacks a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, with its genetic material in the cytoplasm.

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Example: This diagram shows a prokaryotic cell, like a bacterium, which lacks a nucleus and has its DNA in a region called the nucleoid.

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Cytoplasm Noun

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[sy-toh-plaz-uhm]

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Cytoplasm

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The jelly-like substance filling the cell, located outside the nucleus, where most cellular activities and metabolic reactions occur.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of an animal cell, highlighting that the cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance filling the cell and surrounding all the organelles.

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Organelle Noun

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[or-guh-nel]

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Organelle

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A specialized, membrane-enclosed structure within a eukaryotic cell that performs a specific function, analogous to an organ.

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Example: This diagram shows an animal cell and labels its various internal parts, such as the nucleus and mitochondria. These specialized parts are called organelles.

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Nucleus Noun

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[noo-klee-uhs]

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Nucleus

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The large, membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material and controls its activities.

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Example: This diagram shows a cutaway view of the cell's nucleus, labeling its key parts like the chromatin, nucleolus, and the surrounding nuclear envelope.

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Ribosome Noun

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[ry-buh-sohm]

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Ribosome

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A small particle of RNA and protein that synthesizes proteins by following coded instructions from the cell's DNA.

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Example: This diagram shows a ribosome reading instructions from an mRNA molecule to assemble a chain of amino acids, which will become a protein.

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Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Noun

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[en-doh-plaz-mik ri-tik-yuh-luhm]

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Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

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A network of membranes inside a eukaryotic cell involved in synthesizing lipids, proteins, and other materials for cellular use.

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Example: This diagram shows the Endoplasmic Reticulum, a network of membranes inside a cell, distinguishing between the rough ER (studded with ribosomes) and the smooth ER.

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Rough ER Noun

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[ruhf ee-ar]

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Rough ER

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The region of the endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, responsible for synthesizing and modifying proteins for export.

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Example: This diagram shows the Rough ER as a network of membranes connected to the nucleus, with its surface covered in dots representing ribosomes.

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Smooth ER Noun

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[smooth ee-ar]

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Smooth ER

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The region of the endoplasmic reticulum lacking ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and carbohydrate metabolism.

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Example: This diagram shows the Smooth ER's location inside an animal cell and provides a magnified view of its tube-like network structure.

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Golgi Apparatus Noun

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[gohl-jee ap-uh-rat-uhs]

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Golgi Apparatus

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An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for storage or transport out of the cell.

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Example: This diagram shows the Golgi apparatus receiving materials in vesicles at its 'cis face,' processing them through its folds, and shipping them out in new vesicles from its 'trans face.'