Cell and Cell Structure Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to cell structure and function.

Cells

The simplest units that exhibit the characteristics of life; building blocks of life.

Protoplasm

Living material in a cell consisting of the cell surface membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.

Cell Surface Membrane

Surrounds the cytoplasm and is made up of lipids and proteins; allows certain substances to pass through.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like structure where most chemical reactions occur; contains organelles.

Organelles

Specialized structures within the cytoplasm that carry out specific functions.

Nucleus

Control center of the cell; essential for cell division.

Nuclear Envelope

Double membrane that surrounds the nucleus.

Nucleoplasm

Granular, jelly-like material that makes up the bulk of the nucleus.

Chromatin

Long thread-like structures made of proteins and DNA; condenses into chromosomes during cell division.

Nucleolus

Plays a part in making proteins in the cell.

Ribosomes

Small round structures that serve as a site for protein synthesis.

Mitochondria

Generates large quantities of energy during aerobic respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that carry out photosynthesis; contain chlorophyll and are found in plant cells.

Cell Wall

Surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells and is made of cellulose; gives the cell a fixed shape and is fully permeable.

Vacuoles

Fluid-filled space enclosed by a membrane; stores substances within the cell.

Cell Sap

Solution of mineral salts, sugars, and amino acids found in plant vacuoles.

Bacterias

Single-celled living organisms that are much smaller than animal and plant cells.

Magnification

Process of enlarging the apparent size of something.

Micrometer

Unit used to measure organelles in cells, smaller than a millimeter.

Cell differentiation

Process where stem cells become specific, specialized cells.

Haemoglobin

Transports oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.

Cilia

Small extensions of the cell that beat rhythmically to sweep mucus away from the lungs.

Tissue

A group of similar cells which work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

Different tissues may be combined together to form these.

Organ System

Organs that work together to form these.