Cells and Living things

cell

Basic structural unit of all living organisms.

cell membrane

Surrounds the cell and controls movement of substances in and out.

cell wall

Strengthens the cell. In plant cells it is made of cellulose.

chloroplast

Absorbs light energy so the plant can make food.

cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance where most chemical processes happen.

nucleus

Contains genetic material (DNA) which controls the cell's activities.

mitochondria

Part of the cell where energy is released from food molecules.

vacuole

Contains liquid and can be used by plants to keep the cell rigid.

root hair cell

Absorb water and nutrients from soil.

leaf cell

Carry out photosynthesis packed with chloroplasts (palisade cell).

red blood cell

Transport oxygen around the body.

nerve cell (neurone)

Carry electrical impulses around the body.

sperm cell

Carry male genetic material.

specialised cell

Cells that have special features allowing them to perform specific functions.

special features of root hair cell

Creates a large surface area, no chloroplasts as no light underground.

special features of leaf cell

Thin with a large surface area to absorb more light.

special features of red blood cell

Contains haemoglobin which joins to oxygen, no nucleus, disc shaped to increase surface area.

special features of nerve cell

Long and thin with connections at each end.

special features of sperm cell

Streamlined head and a long tail, lots of mitochondria to transfer energy.