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8.5: Key Terms

  • Page ID
    135300
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    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
    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
    extracellular matrix
    material secreted from animal or fungal cells that provides mechanical protection and anchoring for the cells in the tissue
    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
    lysosome
    organelle in an animal cell that functions as the cell’s digestive component; it breaks down proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, and even worn-out organelles
    nuclear envelope
    double-membrane structure that constitutes the nucleus' outermost portion
    nucleus
    cell organelle that houses the cell’s DNA and directs ribosome and protein synthesis
    plasma membrane
    phospholipid bilayer with embedded (integral) or attached (peripheral) proteins, and separates the cell's internal content from its surrounding environment
    plasmodesma
    (plural = plasmodesmata) channel that passes between adjacent plant cells' cell walls, connects their cytoplasm, and allows transporting of materials from cell to cell
    ribosome
    cellular structure that carries out protein synthesis
    rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
    region of the endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes and engages in protein modification and phospholipid synthesis
    smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
    region of the endoplasmic reticulum that has few or no ribosomes on its cytoplasmic surface and synthesizes carbohydrates, lipids, and steroid hormones; detoxifies certain chemicals (like pesticides, preservatives, medications, and environmental pollutants), and stores calcium ions
    tight junction
    protein adherence that creates a firm seal between two adjacent animal cells
    vesicle
    small, membrane-bound sac that functions in cellular storage and transport; its membrane is capable of fusing with the plasma membrane and the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus

    8.5: Key Terms is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.