Form 1 Science: Structure and Function of Living Organisms - Cells

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to cells, their structures, functions, and organization in living organisms.

Cells

The building blocks of life; the basic structural and functional units of living organisms.

Unicellular

Organisms that are made up of only one cell.

Multicellular

Organisms that are made up of many cells.

Cell Membrane

A thin skin around the cell; it holds the cell together and controls what goes in and out.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance inside the cell where most chemical reactions happen.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell; it controls what the cell does.

Mitochondria

Tiny structures inside the cell where aerobic respiration takes place, releasing energy for the cell.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer coating made of cellulose that gives support to plant cells.

Vacuole

A fluid-filled structure in plant cells containing cell sap, a weak solution of sugar and salts.

Chloroplasts

Structures in plant cells containing chlorophyll, used for photosynthesis to make food for the plant.

Specialised Cells

Cells that have different shapes, sizes, and functions to perform specific tasks in multicellular organisms.

Tissues

Groups of cells of similar structure and function joined together.

Organ

A complex structure formed by several tissues combined together to perform a particular function.

System

A group of organs that work together.

Shoot System

The above-ground part of a plant, including stems, leaves, and flowers.

Root System

The underground part of a plant, responsible for absorbing water and nutrients.

Stem Cells

A single cell that can replicate itself or differentiate into many cell types, with important uses in medicine.

Microscope

An instrument used to see and study cells that are too small to see with the unaided eye.

Specimen

The sample of cells to be observed under a microscope.

Stains

Dyes added to cell structures to make them more obvious under a microscope.

Diffusion

The movement of gas or dissolved molecules from a higher to a lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration across a partially permeable membrane.

Amoeba

A unicellular organism that performs all life functions within a single cell, feeding and excreting by diffusion.

Euglena

A unicellular organism that performs all life functions within a single cell.