Unit 0: Cell Types and Kingdoms

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering cell structure, cell theory, cell diversity, biological taxonomy, and the six kingdoms of life.

Cell Theory

A foundational biological summary stating that: 1. The cell is the smallest piece of life; 2. All living things are made of cells; 3. Cells come from other cells.

Control Center

The structure in a cell that controls its activities and contains genetic material (DNA or RNA).

Cytoplasm

The interior contents of a cell (except genetic material), including fluid, structures, and the cytoskeleton.

Cell Membrane

A plasma membrane made of lipids that surrounds every cell, regulating everything coming in or out of the cell.

Unicellular Organism

An organism consisting of only a single cell.

Multicellular Organism

An organism consisting of many cells.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer surrounding certain cells, made of carbohydrates such as cellulose in plants or chitin in fungi.

Autotrophic

An energy strategy where organisms obtain energy and organic molecules by producing their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Heterotrophic

An energy strategy where organisms obtain energy and organic molecules by eating other organisms.

Organelles

Small, membrane-bound structures inside a cell that allow for specialized internal environments (pH) for distinct cellular functions.

Prokaryotic Cell

A cell type that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell type containing a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Species

The most specific biological classification group, comprising organisms that can only reproduce successfully within their own group.

Kingdom Archaebacteria

A kingdom of ancient, microscopic, unicellular prokaryotes that live in extreme environmental conditions (e.g., high heat, low oxygen, extreme cold, darkness).

Thermophiles

An example of archaebacteria that thrive in high-heat environments, such as Yellowstone Nat'l Park Hot Springs.

Halophiles

An example of archaebacteria that thrive in environments with high salt levels and little oxygen, such as the Dead Sea.

Kingdom Eubacteria

A kingdom of common, microscopic, unicellular prokaryotes found on, in, and around organisms, such as E. coli.

Kingdom Protista

A kingdom of eukaryotic, mostly unicellular organisms that can be autotrophic or heterotrophic, move via flagella, cilia, or pseudopods, and share features with plants and animals.

Kingdom Fungi

A kingdom of eukaryotic, sessile, heterotrophic organisms (unicellular or multicellular) that possess cell walls made of chitin and absorb nutrients.

Kingdom Plant

A kingdom of eukaryotic, multicellular, sessile autotrophs with cell walls made of cellulose and chloroplasts for making food.

Kingdom Animalia

A kingdom of eukaryotic, multicellular heterotrophs that lack cell walls, can move on their own, and are grouped into invertebrates and vertebrates.

Sessile

Incapable of moving from place to place; stationary.

Invertebrates

Animals without backbones, which may possess exoskeletons.

Vertebrates

Animals with backbones and internal skeletons (endoskeletons) inside their skin.