cells

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in living things

Cell membrane (plasma membrane)

the semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.

cell wall

Rigid outer covering in cells of plants, fungi and bacteria.

Cytoplasm

A jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended

Organelle

specialized structure that performs specific cellular functions within a cell

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

isotonic solution

A solution in which the concentration of solutes is essentially equal to that of the cell which resides in the solution

hypotonic solution

A solution in which the concentration of solutes is less than that of the cell that resides in the solution

hypertonic solution

A solution in which the concentration of solutes is greater than that of the cell that resides in the solution

Prokaryotic

Cells that do not have a nucleus or membrane bound organelles. (they have a nucleoid instead)

Eukaryotic

A cell characterized by the presence of a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes can be unicellular (protists) or multicellular (fungi, plants and animals).

Nucleus

Control center of the cell

Nucleolus

Found inside the nucleus and produces ribosomes

Chromosomes

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.

RNA (ribonucleic acid)

a nucleic acid that translates the code stored in DNA, which makes possible the synthesis of proteins

Gene

A segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait

Nucleoid

A non-membrane-bounded region in a prokaryotic cell where the DNA is concentrated.

Ribosomes

protein synthesis

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Synthesis and Transport of substance

Golgi apparatus

stack of membranes in the cell that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum

Lysosomes

cell organelle filled with enzymes needed to break down certain materials in the cell/ clean up organelle

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

Energy currency of the cell.

Chloroplasts

An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs

Chromoplasts

Plastids that contain colorful pigments and that may or may not take part in photosynthesis

Leucoplasts/Amyloplasts

Organelles that store starches or oils

Vacuole

A sac inside a cell that acts as a storage area

Cell Division

the process in reproduction and growth by which a cell divides to form daughter cells

Mitosis vs. Meiosis

Mitosis: one division forming 2 identical cells (clones); Meiosis: two divisions forming 4 genetically different cells

Cell Theory

idea that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic units of structure and function in living things, and new cells are produced from existing cells

cell culture

group of cells grown in a nutrient solution from a single original cell

Totipotency

the ability of a single cell to develop into a complete organism

cell sap

Cell sap is contained in the vacuole of mature plants .Cell sap allows for storage and mechanical support in plants, especially non-woody plants.

Stroma

fluid portion of the chloroplast

Cristae

Finger-like folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane that increase surface area for energy production.

Cromatin

Thread-like structures in the nucleus that contain DNA

Cellulose

A substance (made of sugars) that is common in the cell walls

Cellulase enzymes

break down cellulose

cellular respiration

Process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen

Fertilisation

Fusing of a male gamete with a female gamete to form zygote

contact inhibition

a process that stops additional cell growth when cells become crowded and touch each other

tumour

a mass of abnormally growing cells that forms when the cells do not respond to the normal mechanisms that control growth

Cancer

any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division

Programmed Cell Death (PCD)

A genetically regulated and organised process of selective cell destruction.

Selectively Permeable Membrane

membrane that allows some substances to pass more easily than others and blocks the passage of some substances altogether

Virus

An acellular infectious agent consisting of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat.

Viroid

An acellular infectious agent consisting only of genetic material without a protein coat.

Prion

An infectious agent made of misfolded proteins and lacking genetic material.