What's in Your Water?

cell

smallest unit of life

organelle

A tiny cell structure that carries out a specific function within the cell

molecule

A group of atoms bonded together

prokaryotic

Simple cells that do not have a nucleus

Eukaryotic

Complex cell with a nucleus (surrounded by its own membrane) and other internal organelles.

unicellular

A single celled organism

multicellular

Made up of more than one cell.

cell membrane

thin, flexible barrier around a cell; regulates what enters and leaves the cell

cytoplasm

A jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended

ribosome

site of protein synthesis in the cell

chloroplast

An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs

nucleus

A part of the cell containing DNA; responsible for growth and reproduction

cell wall

strong, supporting layer around the cell membrane in some cells, like bacteria and plants

autotrophs

Organisms that make their own food

heterotrophs

organisms that cannot make their own food

Bacteria

single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus; prokaryotes

Protist

A group of mostly unicellular organisms; all water dwelling.

Plant Cell

multicellular eukaryote that produces its own food through photosynthesis

Animal Cell

Eukaryotic and multicellular organisms that obtain their food from outside source.

Chemical filtration

using chemicals, like chlorine to kill microbes or activated charcoal keep the water clear

physical filtration

Removes solids using graving to move through filters from the water improves color and clarity

biological filtration

microbes destroys and removes waste particles

Microbe (Microorganism)

a small living thing seen only with a microscope

dissolved solids

Materials and minerals dissolved in water, measured in ppms

suspended particulates

any small bits of solid material floating in water

Turbidity

A measure of how clear water is.