bio

Cell

The smallest unit of a living organism, capable of performing all life processes.

Cell Theory

A theory that states all living things are made up of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Organelle

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the 'power plant' of the cell, responsible for cellular respiration and energy production.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes within the cell that aids in transport and production of proteins and fats.

Ribosomes

Small organelles that synthesize proteins, found either free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and other materials for transport out of the cell.

Vacuole

A storage organelle in cells that contains water, food, and waste products; larger in plant cells.

Lysosome

An organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides to produce two or more daughter cells.

Mitosis

A type of cell division where one cell divides into two genetically identical cells.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division and growth due to mutations in DNA.

Benign Tumor

A mass of cells that grows uncontrollably but does not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous tumor that invades surrounding tissues and may metastasize to other parts of the body.

Carcinogen

An environmental factor or substance that can cause cancer.

Screening

A method of testing for diseases, such as cancer, often involving various medical procedures.

Biopsy

A medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed for examination to confirm a diagnosis.