IGCSE Biology Unit 2: Cell structures and Functions

Cell Membrane

Forms a barrier between the cell's inside and the outside, and controls movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Cell Wall

A strong, supporting layer surrounding the outside of plant cells.

Cytoplasm

The gel like fluid that fills the inside of cells and has many reactions happening in it.

Nucleus

The place in plant and animal cells where DNA is stored, and controls the actions and protein production in the cell.

Sap Vacuole

A large pocket of sap (water, sugars and salt) found in the middle of plant cells that acts as storage and for extra shaping support.

Mitochondria

A cell structure found in all plant and animal cells where the majority of respiration reactions happen and energy is released for the cell (also called the powerhouse of the cell).

Specialized Cells

cells that have specific structures that help them to perform particular functions

Ciliated Cells

Specialized Animal Cells that have thread like cilia structures to help move mucus inside the respiratory system.

Red Blood Cells

Specialized Animal Cells that contain hemoglobin, no nucleus, and carry oxygen throughout the body.

Nerve Cells

Specialized Animal Cells that are adapted to carry electrical impulses around the body.

Sperm and Egg Cells

Specialized Animal Cells that carry half of the organisms' DNA and are used for reproduction.

Xylem vessels

Narrow, dead tubes with lignin in their walls for the transport of water and minerals in plants.

Root Hair Cells

Specialized plant cells with hair like structures on the surface to increase efficiency in absorbing water and minerals from the soil.

Palisade Mesophyll Cells

Specialized plant cells with many chloroplasts for photosynthesis, found in the leaves.

Chloroplasts

Plant cell structures that preform photosynthesis

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in living things

Tissue

group of similar cells that perform a particular function

Organ

group of tissues that work together to perform closely related functions

Organ System

group of organs that work together to perform a specific function

Organism

A living thing; anything that can carry out the 7 characteristics of life independently.

Magnification

Any time an object that is distant or small is made to appear larger

Ribosome

Cell structure that make proteins