Biology Year 9 - Unit 1 Cells

In 1663 and 1664, Hooke made his microscope and made many scientific findings with it. Hooke coined the term "cell", suggesting a resemblance between plant structures and honeycomb cells.

Cell

The basic and fundamental unit of life, possessing a highly organized structure that carries out vital functions.

Organelles

Smaller structures within a cell that perform specific functions and are varied between different cell types.

Light Microscope

A tool that identifies, observes, and magnifies objects by transmitting light through lenses.

Electron Microscope

A microscope that uses a beam of electrons to provide higher magnifications and resolution for images.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a defined nucleus and are typically unicellular organisms.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a defined nucleus and may form multicellular organisms.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes involved in the transport and processing of proteins and lipids, with two main types: Rough and Smooth.

Ribosome

Small structures that synthesize proteins, may be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle key in the processing, packaging, and transport of proteins and lipids produced in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Mitochondria

Organelles present in eukaryotic cells, responsible for energy generation through cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that contain chlorophyll which carries out photosynthesis.

Vacuoles

Fluid-filled spaces within cells that store nutrients and waste, regulating turgor pressure and osmotic balance.

Cell Wall

A rigid layer surrounding certain types of cells that provides protection and shape. For plant cells, it is made of cellulose.

Ovum

The female sex cell​ made in the ovaries and released during ovulation.

Sperm Cell

The male sex cell produced in the testes, characterized by a tail for movement and high energy-producing mitochondria.

Red Blood Cell

Cells found in blood that transport oxygen, characterized by their disc shape and lack of a nucleus.

White Blood Cells

Cells of the immune system that help fight infections, capable of changing shape to engulf pathogens.

Levels of Organization

The hierarchical structure of biological organization, from cells to tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

Ciliated Cells

Cells equipped with tiny hairs called cilia that aid in moving mucus and dust out of airways.

Magnification

The observed size of an image divided by the actual size of the specimen.

Chitin

The substance the cell wall of fungal cells are made of