Edrolo_VCE_Biology_Units_12_-_Chapter_2_PDF

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically unicellular organisms.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, can be unicellular or multicellular.

Cell Theory

States that all living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into different cell types.

Binary Fission

The method of asexual reproduction used by prokaryotic cells, where a cell divides into two identical cells.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that produces gametes with half the genetic material.

Vesicle

A small membrane-bound sac that transports substances into or out of a cell.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance between the plasma membrane and the nucleus, containing organelles.

Chloroplast

A double membrane-bound organelle that is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through aerobic respiration.

Plasma Membrane

The phospholipid bilayer that surrounds and protects the cell, controlling the movement of substances.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer found in plant cells that provides structure and support.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V)

A measurement that describes how much surface area an object has relative to its volume, important for cellular efficiency.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which a cell becomes specialized to perform a specific function.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and controls cellular activities.

Lysosome

An organelle that contains digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Equilibrium

A state of balance in the internal environment of an organism.

Vacuole

Membrane-bound organelle in cells used for storage and maintaining cell structure.

Ribosome

Small structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA and protein that carries genetic information.