Cells as Basic Units of Life

Flashcards covering cell structures, functions, and differences between plant and animal cells.

Cell

Smallest living unit and basic structural unit of all living things.

Cell Membrane

Thin layer around the cell that holds cells together and controls what goes into and out of the cells.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like liquid that fills the inside of a cell, where chemical reactions take place and contains organelles.

Nucleus

Controls processes inside the cell and contains DNA.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid which contains genes that give instructions for how an organism should look; unique to each person (except identical twins).

Organelles

Small structures within the cytoplasm, each with its own function (e.g., mitochondria, vacuoles, chloroplasts).

Mitochondria

Organelle responsible for cell respiration.

Vacuoles

Large in plant cells, filled with cell sap.

Chloroplasts

Organelles containing chlorophyll, making photosynthesis possible.

Cell Wall

Thick and tight layer which consists of cellulose on the outside of the cell membrane. Helps to maintain cell shape and protect against mechanical damage. (PLANT CELLS ONLY)

Unicellular Organisms

Single-celled organisms that can live on their own (e.g., bacteria, amoeba, protozoa).

Multicellular Organisms

Organisms made up of many cells (e.g., animals, humans, plants).

Sperm Cell

Animal cell with a tail, enabling it to swim towards the egg cell for fertilization.

Nerve Cell

Animal cell that carries messages throughout the body.

Leaf Cell

Plant cell where photosynthesis takes place.

Root Hair Cell

Plant cell that draws water and minerals out of the ground.

Stem Cells

Groups of unspecialized cells that can divide into new stem cells over and over.

Micrograph

A photo taken through a microscope.