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.
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