Cell Biology and Characteristics of Living Organisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to cell biology and the characteristics of living organisms.

Cell

The smallest unit of all living organisms, known as building blocks of life.

Multi-cellular Organism

An organism made up of many cells, such as trees and animals.

Unicellular Organism

An organism composed of only one cell, like amoeba and bacteria.

Characteristics of Living Things

Traits that distinguish living organisms from non-living things, including movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition.

Amoeba

A one-celled organism that lives in water, moves by forming pseudo-pods, and typically reproduces asexually by binary fission.

Cell Membrane

A very thin layer surrounding the cell, controlling what enters and exits the cell; it is semi-permeable.

Nucleus

The control center of a cell containing chromosomes that carry genetic information.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance within the cell that holds and supports organelles.

Semi-permeable Membrane

A membrane that allows certain substances to pass in and out while restricting others.

Cell Specialization

The process by which cells differ in structure and function to perform specific tasks within an organism.

Nerve Cell

A specialized cell that sends electrical messages, known as impulses, around the body.

Muscle Cell

Specialized cells providing movement, existing in smooth, cardiac, and striated forms.

Epithelial Cell

Cells that cover body surfaces, line cavities, and form glands.

Red Blood Cell

A specialized cell responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.

White Blood Cell

Cells that fight diseases and germs invading the body.

Sperm Cell

The male sex cell needed for reproduction.

Ovum Cell

The female sex cell needed for reproduction.