Science - Cells & Levels of Organisms

Prokaryote

A type of cell found in simple organisms that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryote

A type of cell with a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Nucleoid

The region in a prokaryotic cell where the DNA is located.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis.

Cell membrane

Controls the passage of materials in and out of the cell.

Cell wall

Rigid structure outside of the cell membrane, made up of peptidoglycan in prokaryotes and cellulose or chitin in eukaryotes.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance in the cell where other cellular components are found.

Capsule

Jelly-like outer coating of many prokaryotes.

Flagellum

Locomotory organelle that allows the cell to move.

Plasma membrane/Cell membrane

Double layer of phospholipids with various proteins that controls the passage of materials in and out of a eukaryotic cell.

Nucleus

Organelle that houses the cell's DNA.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Organelle involved in the synthesis, folding, modification, and transport of proteins.

Mitochondria

Organelle known as the "powerhouse" or "energy factory" of a cell, where energy is stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Plant cells

Cells that are typically larger, rectangular or cube-shaped, store energy as starch, and have a cell wall composed of cellulose.

Animal cells

Cells that are usually smaller, have round or irregular shapes, store energy as glycogen, and lack a cell wall.

Centrioles

Organelles that play a role in organizing microtubules in animal cells.

Cilia

Microtubules that aid in cellular locomotion.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain enzymes for digesting cellular macromolecules.

Vacuoles

Storage bubbles found in cells.

Chloroplast

Organelles found in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis.

Red Blood cells

Cells that transport oxygen throughout the body and remove carbon dioxide.

White Blood cells

Cells that protect the body from pathogens.

Muscle cells

Cells that contain a lot of mitochondria and are involved in muscle contraction.

Nerve cells

Cells that transport messages to the brain for processing, also known as the "body's messenger."

Sperm cells

Cells involved in the transmission of the father's genetic material to the offspring.