Monash University: Cambridge AS and A Level Biology
Topic 01: Cell Structure
Definitions and Concepts
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): A nucleotide derivative which acts as the ‘energy currency’ in cells.
It consists of a molecule of ribose joined to the nitrogenous base adenine and three phosphate
groups.
Capsid: The outer protein shell of a virus that encases and protects the vital genome.
Cell Surface Membrane: A phospholipid bilayer studded with proteins that surrounds cells and
separates them from their environment.
Cell Wall: A permeable layer made of polysaccharides that surrounds plants, algal, and fungal cells.
Centrioles: Cytoplasmic structures made of microtubules that produce the spindle fibers during
mitosis.
Chloroplast: An organelle found in plants and algae that is the site of photosynthesis.
Cilia: Small, hair-like organelles that extend from the surface of eukaryotic cells. They have motile
and sensory functions.
Electron Micrograph: An image of a non-living structure produced by a scanning electron
microscope (SEM) or a transmissions electron microscope (TEM).
Eukaryotic Cell: A type of cell that contains a nucleus along with membrane bound organelles.
Eyepiece Graticule: A scale bar inside the eyepiece of a light microscope which can be calibrated
against a ruler to measure structures.
Golgi Apparatus/Golgi Body/Golgi Complex: An organelle found in eukaryotic cells that is involved
in the modification and packaging of proteins.
Lysosomes: Membrane-bound vesicles in the cytoplasm that contain a hydrolytic enzyme called
lysozyme.
Magnification: How much bigger an image appears compared to the original object, calculated using
the following formula.
Image Size = Actual Size x Magnification
Microvilli: Microscopic finger-like projections from the plasma membrane of some animal cells.
Mitochondrion (pl mitochondria): An organelle found in eukaryotic cells that is the site of aerobic
respiration.
Nuclear Envelope: A double membrane that surrounds the nucleus.
Nucleolus: A structure found inside the nucleus that contains proteins and RNA and is involved in
synthesizing new ribosomes.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller vinukivubeysinghe. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $8.39. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
