cytology vocab 1

Cell

The smallest unit of living organisms. Ex: Blood, cell, and egg cells.

Prokaryotic

A simple cell that does not have a nucleus, mitochondria, or other membrane bound structures. The DNA in a prokaryotic cell forms a single circular loop.

Eukaryotic

A more difficult cell that does have a nucleus, mitochondria, and other cell organelles. A eukaryotic cell is 10 times larger than a prokaryotic cell.

Organelle

An organ-like structure with eukaryotic cell such as mitochondria, vacuole, or chloroplast, that performs a specific function.

Cell wall

A outer covering that provides protection and support for plant, fungi, and bacteria cells.

Cell membrane

A thin flexible, double layer of phospholipids surrounding the cytoplasm; controls movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Ribosomr

A tiny organelle found in the cytoplasm of all living cells. 

Nucleus

Large, membrane-bound structure that contains the genetic material to control cell activity. Red blood cells is the only cell in the human body without a nucleus.

Endosymbiotic theory

The theory of how eukaryotic cells evolved that one prokaryotic cell to form organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.