Cell Biology Lecture Notes

Flashcards for reviewing lecture notes on cell biology, focusing on unicellular, colonial, and multicellular organisms, tissue types, and hierarchical organization.

Unicellular Organisms

Living things made of one cell, which must have all the features (organelles) for life.

Colonial Organisms

Living things made of a small number of unspecialized cells grouped together, working together, where each cell has features needed for life and can live independently.

Multicellular Organisms

Organisms made of many (normally many more) specialized cells, where each cell no longer has all features needed for independent living.

Cell Specialization

Process where cells differentiate to take on specialized functions, making the organism more efficient.

Tissues

When cells are organised into groups based upon the function they perform

Cell Specialization

Advantage: Cells perform task more efficiently. Disadvantage: Specialised cells cannot survive independently.

Cell Differentiation

The process when an unspecialized cell develops into a specialized cell with a distinct structure and function.

Cell Specialisation

The process where a cell develops into distinct types with specific functions and structures.

Organelles

Membrane-bound structures within cells that have specific roles.

Cells

Basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.

Tissues

Cells that perform similar functions.

Organs

Different tissues grouped together to perform a specific function.

Organ System

Organs grouped together to carry out a specific function.

Organism

A living thing made up of interrelated components that work together.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces, protects organs, and forms glands; cells are densely packed and rely on underlying connective tissue for nutrients.

Connective Tissue

Forms extracellular matrix with cells scattered providing support, ensuring different parts of the body are bound together and protects it against damage.

Nervous Tissue

Comprises the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; highly specialized for communication.

Muscle Tissue

Contains muscle cells called muscle fibers, specialized for contraction; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Shoot System

Part of the plant above the ground; includes Organs like leaves, stem, & reproductive organs which supports the plant, enables transport, exchanges gases, and carries out photosynthesis and respiration.

Root System

Part of the plant below the ground, responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil; includes root hairs and roots.

Vascular System

Responsible for the transport of substances around the plant; made of xylem and phloem.

Meristematic Tissue

Found in the tips of roots and shoots and in buds and a ring around the stem; where cells divide to produce new growth.

Dermal Tissue

Protects plant tissue; the outer layers of stems, roots, and leaves.

Xylem

Transports water and mineral salts from roots to leaves.

Phloem

Transports products of photosynthesis around the plant.

Ground Tissue

All internal cells of a plant other than vascular tissue; specialized for food storage, support, and photosynthesis.