Teas Science

Cell

The basic organizational unit of all living things.

Cell Membrane

Defines the cell by acting as a barrier, keeping cytoplasm inside and substances outside.

Cytoplasm

General term that refers to the cytosol and the substructures found within the plasma membrane, excluding the nucleus.

Mitochondria

Often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing energy through cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells and some algae that are responsible for photosynthesis.

Ribosomes

Cell structures that synthesize proteins from amino acids and can be free or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Golgi Complex

Involved in synthesizing materials like proteins for transport out of the cell.

Vacuoles

Sacs used for storage, digestion, and waste removal, with large vacuoles in plant cells and smaller ones in animal cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

A tubular network that functions as the transport system of the cell, with rough (has ribosomes) and smooth types.

Cytoskeleton

A structure that consists of microtubules which help shape and support the cell.

Microtubules

Components of the cytoskeleton made out of protein that help support the cell.

Cytosol

Liquid material inside the cell, primarily water that contains floating molecules.

Nucleic Acids

Molecules that all cells contain, including DNA and RNA, responsible for genetic information.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems.

Specialized Organelles

Organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts that have specific functions within cells.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organs

Structures composed of different types of tissues that work together to perform specific tasks.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions in an organism.

Multicellular Organism

Organisms composed of many cells that can become specialized for specific functions.

Single-Celled Organism

Organisms that consist of one cell which carries out all necessary life functions.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell, produced by mitochondria during cellular respiration.