Cell Biology - P1

Nucleus

Contains genetic material.

Cytoplasm

Where most chemical reactions occur.

Mitochondria

Where most reactions for aerobic respiration occur; known as the powerhouse of the cell.

Ribosomes

Where proteins are made.

Cell membrane

Controls what goes in and out of the cell.

Cell wall

Made of cellulose, it strengthens and supports the cell.

Chloroplasts

Where photosynthesis occurs.

Vacuole

Contains cell sap.

Plasmids

Small rings of DNA.

Animal cell

Contains nucleus, cytoplasm, ribosomes, cell membrane, and mitochondria.

Plant cell

Contains cell wall, vacuole, nucleus, mitochondria, cell membrane, and cytoplasm.

Prokaryotic cell

No nucleus; contains cell wall, plasmids, smaller ribosomes, and flagella.

Eukaryotic cell

Contains nucleus and membranes; part of more complex organisms.

Magnification

Calculated as image size divided by real size.

Chromosomes

Coiled lengths of DNA that carry genes and are found in the nucleus.

Cell cycle

Series of stages in which a cell divides and produces new cells.

Mitosis

The stage of the cell cycle when the cell divides.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell changes into a more specialized cell.

Sperm cell

Specialized for reproduction; has a long tail and streamlined head for swimming.

Nerve cell

Specialized for rapid signaling; long to cover larger distances with branched connections.

Xylem

Transport tissue in plants; hollow structure for easier substance flow.

Phloem

Plant transport tissue with fewer subcellular structures for easier substance flow.

Muscle cell

Specialized for contractions; long with many mitochondria for energy.

Root hair cell

Specialized for absorbing water and minerals; has a large surface area.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate into various cell types.

Diffusion

Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

Movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from high to low concentration.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against the concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Single celled organism

Has a high surface area to volume ratio allowing sufficient substance exchange.

Multicellular organism

Has a low surface area to volume ratio, necessitating specialized exchange mechanisms.

Exchange surfaces

Adapted for efficient substance exchange; characterized by large surface area, thin membranes, blood supply, and ventilation.

Leaves

Adapted for gas exchange with a flat shape and stomata to let gases in and out.

Gills

Adapted for gas exchange in fish, featuring gill filaments and a capillary network.

Small intestine

Adapted for absorption of food molecules from the gut to the blood; has a single layer of surface cells and villi.

Alveoli

Adapted for gas exchange; numerous and with thin walls and a capillary network.