B1.1 - Key Words

Cell

Smallest functional unit in an organism. Cells are the building blocks of life

Cell membrane

Subcellular structure that controls which substances can move in and out of the cell, has receptors on the cell surface membrane

Cell wall

Subcellular structure that surrounds the cell, providing support

Chloroplast

Subcellular structure where photosynthesis takes place

Cytoplasm

A ‘jelly-like’ substance found in cells, where all the chemical reactions take place

Electron microscope

A microscope which uses electrons to produce an image

Eukaryotic cell

Cell whose genetic material is contained within the nucleus

Flagellum

A ‘tail-like’ structure which allows cells to move

Mitochondria

Subcellular structure where respiration takes place

Nucleus

Subcellular structure that controls the cell, and contains genetic material

Plasmid

A circular ring of DNA found in a bacterial cell

Prokaryotic cell

Cell without a nucleus, whose genetic material is found within the cytoplasm

Resolution

A measure of the smallest object which can be seen using an instrument

Vacuole

Subcellular structure that contains cell sap and helps to keep the cell firm