bio

Cytoplasm

Contents of a cell that are contained within its plasma membrane. In eukaryotic cells its outside of the nucleus.

Protozoan

A free living, no photosynthetic, single celled, motile eukaryote

Chloroplast

Specialized organelle in algae and plants, contains chlorophyll and serves as the site for photosynthesis

Nucleus

In biology it contains the DNA of a eukaryotic cell. In chem it refers to the middle of an atom

Ribosome

A large macromolecular complex, composed of RNAs and proteins, that translates a messenger RNA into a polypeptide chain

Evolution

Process of gradual modification and adaptation that occurs in living organisms over generations

RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

Molecule produced by the transcription of DNA, usually single stranded, polynucleotide

Organelle

A discrete structure or subcomponent of a eukaryotic cell that is specialized to carry out a specific function

Homologous

Describes genes, chromosomes, or any structures that are similar because of their common evolutionary origin.

Chromosome

Long threadlike structure composed of DNA and proteins. Carries genetic info, only visible when cell prepares to divide

Prokaryote

Living cells distinguished by no nucleus. Includes Archaea and Eubacteria

DNA

Double stranded polynucleotide formed from two chains. It serves as the cells store of genetic info.

Golgi apparatus

Membrane enclosed organelle in eukaryotic cells. Modifies proteins and lipids made in the endoplasmic reticulum and sorts them for transport to other sites.

Electron microscope

Passes a beam of electrons

Fluorescence microscope

Labeled with fluorescent dye, samples are illuminated when a wavelength excites the dye

Cytoskeleton

Protein filaments in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, gives the cell its shape and capacity for directed movement. Most abundant components are actin filaments, microtubules, intermediate filaments

Cytosol

Main compartment of the cytoplasm, not including membrane enclosed organelles. Also used to refer to cell fraction remaining after membranes, cytoskeleton, and other organelles have been removed

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Labyrinthine membrane enclosed compartment in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Where lipids and proteins are made

Archaeon

Microscopic organism that is a member of prokaryotes, often found in harsh environments.

Bacterium

Member of prokaryotes, some species cause diseases

Genome

The total genetic info carried by all the chromosomes of a cell or organism

Micrometer

Unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter or centimeter

Photosynthesis

By which plants, algae, and some bacteria use the energy use the energy of sunlight to drive the synthesis of organic molecules from CO2 and water

Plasma membrane

The protein containing lipid bilayer that surrounds a living cell

Protein

Macromolecule built from amino acids that provides cells with their shape and structure and preforms most of their activities

Mitochondrion

Membrane enclosed organelle, same size as a bacterium. Carries out oxidative phosphorylation and produces most of the ATP in eukaryotic cells

Model organism

A living thing selected for intensive study as a representative of a large group of species

Eukaryote

An organism whose cells have a distinct nucleus and cytoplasm