Cell Life and Functions

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the characteristics of living cells and their functions.

Micrometer

A unit of measurement equal to one millionth of a meter, used to measure cell size.

Organelle

Small structures within a cell that perform specific functions to keep the organism alive.

Homeostasis

The stable internal environment maintained by the 8 life functions of an organism.

Amoeba

A single-celled organism that uses pseudopods for movement and nutrient absorption.

Nutrition

The process through which an organism obtains and uses materials from the environment.

Egestion

The removal or elimination of undigested food materials from an organism.

Cilia

Hair-like structures on cells, such as Paramecium, used for movement and feeding.

Excretion

The removal of metabolic waste substances produced in cells as a result of life activities.

Metabolic wastes

Substances left over from metabolic processes that cannot be utilized and must be excreted.

Respiration

The release of chemical energy from food molecules into ATP, essential for life functions.

Cell Theory

A foundational principle stating that all cells arise from pre-existing cells and are the smallest units of structure and function in living things.

Reproduction

The production of new individuals, essential for the continued existence of the species.

Biochemical reaction

A chemical reaction that occurs within living organisms to break down substances.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the usable form of energy for cells.

Francesco Redi's experiment

An experiment that challenged spontaneous generation by showing that maggots appeared only on uncovered meat.