SettingsCell anatomy
Acinus
An acinus refers to any cluster of cells that resembles a many-lobed "berry," such as a raspberry.
An acinus refers to any cluster of cells that resembles a many-lobed "berry," such as a raspberry.
Adherens junction
Adherens junctions (or zonula adherens, intermediate junction, or "belt desmosome") are protein complexes that occur at cell–cell junctions in epithelial tissues, usually more basal than t...
Adherens junctions (or zonula adherens, intermediate junction, or "belt desmosome") are protein complexes that occur at cell–cell junctions in epithelial tissues, usually more basal than t...
Axoplasm
Axoplasm is the cytoplasm within the axon of a neuron.
Axoplasm is the cytoplasm within the axon of a neuron.
Back-Fusion
Back-fusion is the fusion of internal (intraluminal) vesicles within multivesicular bodies or late endosomes with the endosome’s limiting membrane.
Back-fusion is the fusion of internal (intraluminal) vesicles within multivesicular bodies or late endosomes with the endosome’s limiting membrane.
Bacterial microcompartment
Bacterial microcompartments are widespread bacterial organelles that are made of a protein shell that surrounds and encloses various enzymes.
Bacterial microcompartments are widespread bacterial organelles that are made of a protein shell that surrounds and encloses various enzymes.
Bleb (cell biology)
In cell biology, a bleb is an irregular bulge in the plasma membrane of a cell caused by localized decoupling of the cytoskeleton from the plasma membrane.
In cell biology, a bleb is an irregular bulge in the plasma membrane of a cell caused by localized decoupling of the cytoskeleton from the plasma membrane.
Cajal body
Cajal bodies are spherical sub-organelles of 0.3-1.0 µm in diameter found in the nucleus of proliferative cells like embryonic cells and tumor cells, or metabolically active cells like neurons.
Cajal bodies are spherical sub-organelles of 0.3-1.0 µm in diameter found in the nucleus of proliferative cells like embryonic cells and tumor cells, or metabolically active cells like neurons.
Carboxysome
Carboxysomes are bacterial microcompartments that contain enzymes involved in carbon fixation.
Carboxysomes are bacterial microcompartments that contain enzymes involved in carbon fixation.
Caveolae
In biology, caveolae (Latin for little caves, singular: caveola), which are a special type of lipid raft, are small (50–100 nanometer) invaginations of the plasma membrane in many vertebrate...
In biology, caveolae (Latin for little caves, singular: caveola), which are a special type of lipid raft, are small (50–100 nanometer) invaginations of the plasma membrane in many vertebrate...
Cell junction
A cell junction is a type of structure that exists within the tissue of some multicellular organisms, such as animals.
A cell junction is a type of structure that exists within the tissue of some multicellular organisms, such as animals.
Cell membrane
The cell membrane or plasma membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment.
The cell membrane or plasma membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment.
Cell wall
The cell wall is the tough, usually flexible but sometimes fairly rigid layer that surrounds some types of cells.
The cell wall is the tough, usually flexible but sometimes fairly rigid layer that surrounds some types of cells.
Cellular compartment
Cellular compartments in cell biology comprise all closed parts within a cell, usually surrounded by a single or double lipid layer membrane.
Cellular compartments in cell biology comprise all closed parts within a cell, usually surrounded by a single or double lipid layer membrane.
Circular bacterial chromosome
Circular bacterial chromosome are the bacterial chromosomes contained in a circular DNA molecule.
Circular bacterial chromosome are the bacterial chromosomes contained in a circular DNA molecule.
Class III β-tubulin
Class III β-tubulin, otherwise known as βIII-tubulin or β-tubulin III, is a microtubule element of the tubulin family found almost exclusively in neurons.
Class III β-tubulin, otherwise known as βIII-tubulin or β-tubulin III, is a microtubule element of the tubulin family found almost exclusively in neurons.
Cleavage furrow
In cell biology, the cleavage furrow is the indentation of the cell's surface that begins the progression of cleavage, by which animal and some algal cells undergo cytokinesis, the final splitti...
In cell biology, the cleavage furrow is the indentation of the cell's surface that begins the progression of cleavage, by which animal and some algal cells undergo cytokinesis, the final splitti...
Cystolith
Cystolith (Gr. "cavity" and "stone") is a botanical term for the inorganic concretions, usually of calcium carbonate, formed in a cellulose matrix in special cells, generally in the leaf of plan...
Cystolith (Gr. "cavity" and "stone") is a botanical term for the inorganic concretions, usually of calcium carbonate, formed in a cellulose matrix in special cells, generally in the leaf of plan...
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance residing between the cell membrane holding all the cell's internal sub-structures, except for the nucleus.
The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance residing between the cell membrane holding all the cell's internal sub-structures, except for the nucleus.
Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a cellular "scaffolding" or "skeleton" contained within the cytoplasm and is made out of protein.
The cytoskeleton is a cellular "scaffolding" or "skeleton" contained within the cytoplasm and is made out of protein.
Desmosome
A desmosome, also known as macula adherens, is a cell structure specialized for cell-to-cell adhesion.
A desmosome, also known as macula adherens, is a cell structure specialized for cell-to-cell adhesion.
Diplosome
In cell biology, a diplosome is a pair of centrioles arranged perpendicularly, located near the nucleus.
In cell biology, a diplosome is a pair of centrioles arranged perpendicularly, located near the nucleus.
Ectoplasm (cell biology)
Ectoplasm refers to the outer, non-granulated part of a cell's cytoplasm.
Ectoplasm refers to the outer, non-granulated part of a cell's cytoplasm.
Ectoplasmic specialisation
Ectoplasmic specialisations are actin-related cell-cell junctions, present in the testicular seminiferous epithelium.
Ectoplasmic specialisations are actin-related cell-cell junctions, present in the testicular seminiferous epithelium.
Eisosome
Eisosomes ('eis' meaning into or portal and 'soma', meaning body) are large, heterodimeric, immobile protein complexes at the plasma membrane which mark the site of endocytosis in some eukaryotes.
Eisosomes ('eis' meaning into or portal and 'soma', meaning body) are large, heterodimeric, immobile protein complexes at the plasma membrane which mark the site of endocytosis in some eukaryotes.
Ejectosome
An ejectosome is a cellular organelle responsible for ejecting their contents from the cell.
An ejectosome is a cellular organelle responsible for ejecting their contents from the cell.
Elasticity of cell membranes
The widely accepted model for cell membranes is the fluid mosaic model proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972 Science 175 (1972) 720.
The widely accepted model for cell membranes is the fluid mosaic model proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972 Science 175 (1972) 720.
Endomembrane system
The endomembrane system is composed of the different membranes that are suspended in the cytoplasm within a eukaryotic cell.
The endomembrane system is composed of the different membranes that are suspended in the cytoplasm within a eukaryotic cell.
Endoplasm
Endoplasm generally refers to the inner (often granulated) part of a cell's cytoplasm.
Endoplasm generally refers to the inner (often granulated) part of a cell's cytoplasm.
Ergastic substance
Ergastic substances are non-protoplasm materials found in cells.
Ergastic substances are non-protoplasm materials found in cells.
Extracellular
In cell biology, molecular biology and related fields, the word extracellular (or sometimes extracellular space) means "outside the cell".
In cell biology, molecular biology and related fields, the word extracellular (or sometimes extracellular space) means "outside the cell".
Fenestra (histology)
In histology, fenestræ are small pores in endothelial cells that allow for rapid exchange of molecules between sinusoid blood vessels and surrounding tissue.
In histology, fenestræ are small pores in endothelial cells that allow for rapid exchange of molecules between sinusoid blood vessels and surrounding tissue.
Gap junction
A gap junction or nexus is a specialized intercellular connection between a multitude of animal cell-types.
A gap junction or nexus is a specialized intercellular connection between a multitude of animal cell-types.
Granule (cell biology)
In cell biology, a granule is a small particle.
In cell biology, a granule is a small particle.
Hemidesmosome
Hemidesmosomes are very small stud- or rivet-like structures on the inner basal surface of keratinocytes in the epidermis of skin.
Hemidesmosomes are very small stud- or rivet-like structures on the inner basal surface of keratinocytes in the epidermis of skin.
Homogenization (biology)
Homogenization (cell biology) is a process that involves breaking apart cells — releasing organelles and cytoplasm.
Homogenization (cell biology) is a process that involves breaking apart cells — releasing organelles and cytoplasm.
Intermembrane space
The intermembrane space also known as IMS is the region between the inner membrane and the outer membrane of a mitochondrion or a chloroplast.
The intermembrane space also known as IMS is the region between the inner membrane and the outer membrane of a mitochondrion or a chloroplast.
Intracellular membranes
Intracellular membranes are membranes inside the plasmalemma of the cell, comprising its endomembranous system.
Intracellular membranes are membranes inside the plasmalemma of the cell, comprising its endomembranous system.
Invadopodia
Invadopodia or invasive feet are protrusions in the cell membrane of some cells that are rich in actin and extend into the extracellular matrix (ECM).
Invadopodia or invasive feet are protrusions in the cell membrane of some cells that are rich in actin and extend into the extracellular matrix (ECM).
Kappa organism
In biology, Kappa organism or Kappa particle refers to inheritable cytoplasmic symbionts, occurring in some strains of Paramecium.
In biology, Kappa organism or Kappa particle refers to inheritable cytoplasmic symbionts, occurring in some strains of Paramecium.
Karyotin
Karyotin is described as being the sustainable, reticular, material of the cell nucleus.
Karyotin is described as being the sustainable, reticular, material of the cell nucleus.
Matrix (biology)
In biology, matrix (plural: matrices) is the material (or tissue) between animal or plant cells, in which more specialized structures are embedded, and a specific part of the mitochondrio...
In biology, matrix (plural: matrices) is the material (or tissue) between animal or plant cells, in which more specialized structures are embedded, and a specific part of the mitochondrio...
Membrane contact site
Membrane contact sites are areas within a cell where the membranes of two organelles are arranged in close proximity (not to be confused with cell junctions between the cells).
Membrane contact sites are areas within a cell where the membranes of two organelles are arranged in close proximity (not to be confused with cell junctions between the cells).
Membrane nanotube
Membrane nanotubes, membrane nanotubules or cytonemes are long and thin tubes formed from the plasma membrane that connect different animal cells over long distances.
Membrane nanotubes, membrane nanotubules or cytonemes are long and thin tubes formed from the plasma membrane that connect different animal cells over long distances.
Mesosome
Mesosomes are folded invaginations in the plasma membrane of bacteria that are produced by the chemical fixation techniques used to prepare samples for electron microscopy.
Mesosomes are folded invaginations in the plasma membrane of bacteria that are produced by the chemical fixation techniques used to prepare samples for electron microscopy.
Microtubule nucleation
The de novo formation of microtubules requires an initiation event called microtubule nucleation.
The de novo formation of microtubules requires an initiation event called microtubule nucleation.
Mitochondrial matrix
In the mitochondrion, the matrix contains soluble enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of pyruvate and other small organic molecules.
In the mitochondrion, the matrix contains soluble enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of pyruvate and other small organic molecules.
Myelin sheath gap
Myelin sheath gaps or nodes of Ranvier are the gaps formed between the myelin sheaths generated by different cells.
Myelin sheath gaps or nodes of Ranvier are the gaps formed between the myelin sheaths generated by different cells.
Neurite
A neurite refers to any projection from the cell body of a neuron.
A neurite refers to any projection from the cell body of a neuron.
Nodes of Ranvier
Nodes of Ranvier are the gaps (approximately 1 micrometer in length) formed between the myelin sheaths generated by different cells.
Nodes of Ranvier are the gaps (approximately 1 micrometer in length) formed between the myelin sheaths generated by different cells.
Nuclear dimorphism
Nuclear dimorphism is a term referred to the special characteristic of having two different kinds of nuclei in a cell.
Nuclear dimorphism is a term referred to the special characteristic of having two different kinds of nuclei in a cell.
Nuclear envelope
A nuclear envelope is a double lipid bilayer that encloses the genetic material in eukaryotic cells.
A nuclear envelope is a double lipid bilayer that encloses the genetic material in eukaryotic cells.
Nuclear matrix
In biology, the nuclear matrix is the network of fibres found throughout the inside of a cell nucleus and is somewhat analogous to the cell cytoskeleton.
In biology, the nuclear matrix is the network of fibres found throughout the inside of a cell nucleus and is somewhat analogous to the cell cytoskeleton.
Nuclear membrane
The nuclear envelope (NE) (also known as the perinuclear envelope, nuclear membrane, nucleolemma or karyotheca) is a double lipid bilayer that encloses the genetic materi...
The nuclear envelope (NE) (also known as the perinuclear envelope, nuclear membrane, nucleolemma or karyotheca) is a double lipid bilayer that encloses the genetic materi...
Nuclear pore
Nuclear pores are large protein complexes that cross the nuclear envelope, which is the double membrane surrounding the eukaryotic cell nucleus.
Nuclear pores are large protein complexes that cross the nuclear envelope, which is the double membrane surrounding the eukaryotic cell nucleus.
Nucleoid
The nucleoid (meaning nucleus-like) is an irregularly-shaped region within the cell of a prokaryote that contains all or most of the genetic material.
The nucleoid (meaning nucleus-like) is an irregularly-shaped region within the cell of a prokaryote that contains all or most of the genetic material.
Nucleolus organizer region
The nucleolus organizer region or nucleolar organizer is a chromosomal region around which the nucleolus forms.
The nucleolus organizer region or nucleolar organizer is a chromosomal region around which the nucleolus forms.
Nucleoplasm
Similar to the the cytoplasm of a cell, the nucleus contains nucleoplasm or karyoplasm.
Similar to the the cytoplasm of a cell, the nucleus contains nucleoplasm or karyoplasm.
Null cell
A null cell is a large granular lymphocyte without surface markers or membrane-associated proteins from B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes.
A null cell is a large granular lymphocyte without surface markers or membrane-associated proteins from B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes.
Organelle
In cell biology, an organelle is a specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function, and is usually separately enclosed within its own lipid bilayer.
In cell biology, an organelle is a specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function, and is usually separately enclosed within its own lipid bilayer.
Paraspeckle
In anatomy, a paraspeckle is an irregularly shaped sub-cellular compartment, approximately 0.2-1 μm in size, found in the nucleus' interchromatin space.
In anatomy, a paraspeckle is an irregularly shaped sub-cellular compartment, approximately 0.2-1 μm in size, found in the nucleus' interchromatin space.
Pellicle (biology)
The pellicle is a thin layer jizz supporting the cell membrane in various protozoa, protecting them and allowing them to retain their shape, especially during locomotion, allowing the organism ...
The pellicle is a thin layer jizz supporting the cell membrane in various protozoa, protecting them and allowing them to retain their shape, especially during locomotion, allowing the organism ...
Periplasmic space
The periplasm is a space bordered by two selective permeable barriers, i.e. biological membranes, which are the inner membrane and the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria.
The periplasm is a space bordered by two selective permeable barriers, i.e. biological membranes, which are the inner membrane and the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria.
Plasmodesma
Plasmodesmata are microscopic channels which traverse the cell walls of plant cells and some algal cells, enabling transport and communication between them.
Plasmodesmata are microscopic channels which traverse the cell walls of plant cells and some algal cells, enabling transport and communication between them.
Podosome
Podosomes are small cylindrical ECM adhesion structures approximately 0.5 um in diameter.
Podosomes are small cylindrical ECM adhesion structures approximately 0.5 um in diameter.
Porosome
Porosomes or fusion pores are cup-shaped structures in the cell membranes of eukaryotic cells where vesicles dock in the process of vesicle fusion and secretion.
Porosomes or fusion pores are cup-shaped structures in the cell membranes of eukaryotic cells where vesicles dock in the process of vesicle fusion and secretion.
Prokaryotic cytoskeleton
The prokaryotic cytoskeleton is the collective name for all structural filaments in prokaryotes.
The prokaryotic cytoskeleton is the collective name for all structural filaments in prokaryotes.
Pseudociliate
Pseudociliate (su-do-sil-i-A-ta) is made of two roots, One Greek and one is Latin.
Pseudociliate (su-do-sil-i-A-ta) is made of two roots, One Greek and one is Latin.
Pseudopodia
Pseudopods or pseudopodia (singular: pseudopodium) (from the Greek word ψευδοπόδια, ψευδός "fake, false" + πόδια "feet") are temporary projections of eukaryotic cells.
Pseudopods or pseudopodia (singular: pseudopodium) (from the Greek word ψευδοπόδια, ψευδός "fake, false" + πόδια "feet") are temporary projections of eukaryotic cells.
Pyrenoid
In cell biology, pyrenoids are organelles, centers of carbon dioxide fixation within the chloroplasts of algae and hornworts.
In cell biology, pyrenoids are organelles, centers of carbon dioxide fixation within the chloroplasts of algae and hornworts.
S-layer
An S-layer (surface layer) is a part of the cell envelope commonly found in bacteria, as well as among archaea.
An S-layer (surface layer) is a part of the cell envelope commonly found in bacteria, as well as among archaea.
Sarcoplasm
The Sarcoplasm of a muscle fiber is comparable to the cytoplasm of other cells, but it houses unusually large amounts of glycosomes (granules of stored glycogen) and significant amounts of m...
The Sarcoplasm of a muscle fiber is comparable to the cytoplasm of other cells, but it houses unusually large amounts of glycosomes (granules of stored glycogen) and significant amounts of m...
SOC channels
Store-operated channels (SOCs) are ion channels located in the plasma membrane of all non-excitable cells (all cells except myocytes, neurons and endocrine cells).
Store-operated channels (SOCs) are ion channels located in the plasma membrane of all non-excitable cells (all cells except myocytes, neurons and endocrine cells).
Spindle apparatus
In cell biology, the spindle fibers are the structure that separates the chromosomes into the daughter cells during cell division.
In cell biology, the spindle fibers are the structure that separates the chromosomes into the daughter cells during cell division.
Stromule
Stromules are microscopic structures found in plant cells.
Stromules are microscopic structures found in plant cells.
T-tubule
A T-tubule (or transverse tubule) is a deep invagination of the sarcolemma, which is the plasma membrane, only found in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells.
A T-tubule (or transverse tubule) is a deep invagination of the sarcolemma, which is the plasma membrane, only found in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells.
Terminal bar (term)
Terminal bar is a histological term given to the unresolved group of junctional complexes that attach adjacent epithelial cells on their lateral surfaces: the Zonula Occludens, Zonula Adherens, ...
Terminal bar is a histological term given to the unresolved group of junctional complexes that attach adjacent epithelial cells on their lateral surfaces: the Zonula Occludens, Zonula Adherens, ...
Tight junction
Tight junctions, or zonula occludens, are the closely associated areas of two cells whose membranes join together forming a virtually impermeable barrier to fluid.
Tight junctions, or zonula occludens, are the closely associated areas of two cells whose membranes join together forming a virtually impermeable barrier to fluid.
Transcellular fluid
Transcellular fluid is the portion of total body water contained within epithelial lined spaces.
Transcellular fluid is the portion of total body water contained within epithelial lined spaces.
Undulipodium
An undulipodium or 9+2 organelle is an intracellular projection of a eukaryotic cell containing a microtubule array.
An undulipodium or 9+2 organelle is an intracellular projection of a eukaryotic cell containing a microtubule array.
Vacuole
A vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle which is present in all plant and fungal cells and some protist, animal and bacterial cells.
A vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle which is present in all plant and fungal cells and some protist, animal and bacterial cells.
Volutin granules
Volutin granules are an intracytoplasmic storage form of complexed inorganic polyphosphate, the production of which is used as one of the identifying criteria when attempting to isolate Coryn...
Volutin granules are an intracytoplasmic storage form of complexed inorganic polyphosphate, the production of which is used as one of the identifying criteria when attempting to isolate Coryn...