Cells, Tissues, and Systems Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards related to cells, tissues, and systems based on lecture notes.

Cell

The basic unit of life.

Tissues

Groups of specialized cells.

System

Performs a specialized function; organs and tissues working in conjunction.

Cell Theory

States that all living things are made up of one or more cells, the cell is the simplest unit that can carry out all life processes, and that all cells come from other cells.

Nucleus

Contains most of the genetic information in the eukaryotic cell and is surrounded by a nuclear envelope.

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane that encloses the nucleus, separating its contents from the cytoplasm.

Nucleolus

Appears as a mass of densely stained granules and fibers where protein subunits of ribosomes are made.

Ribosomes

Organelles that carry out protein synthesis; can be free or bound.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

An extensive network of membrane-covered channels that transport materials made in the cell and is connected to the nucleus.

Golgi Apparatus

Flattened sacs that sort and package proteins and other molecules for transport out of the cell.

Lysosomes

Consist of digestive enzymes enclosed in a membranous sac which help to break down ingested substances.

Mitochondria

Organelle with membranes where energy is released from glucose to fuel cell activities.

Chloroplasts

Photosynthesizing organelles that convert light energy to chemical energy (sugars), found in plant cells only.

Cell Wall

Tough rigid structure that surrounds the plant cell's membrane, protects the cell and maintains its shape.

Cell Membrane

Separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment and controls the flow of materials into and out of the cell.

Cytoplasm

Includes the cytosol (liquid part), organelles, and other life-supporting materials.

Vesicles

Membrane-covered sacs that transport and/or store materials inside the cell and help materials cross the cell membrane.

Vacuoles

Contain water and other materials, used to store or transport smaller molecules.

Cytoskeleton

Helps cell maintain its structure and provide tracks for vesicles and organelles to move.

Cell Reproduction

The process in which new cells are formed.

Asexual Reproduction/Mitosis

Cell reproduction where 1 parent cell becomes 2 “daughter” cells that have the exact same genetic information as the parent cell.

Sexual Reproduction/Meiosis

Cell reproduction where 2 parents mate to produce offspring and offspring receive ½ of genes from each parent and genetic information is a mix of both parents

Genome

The whole of the genetic information of an organism.

Gene

A heritable factor that controls a specific characteristic and a specific sequence in the DNA that codes for a protein.

Chromosome

A thick, threadlike, gene-carrying structure found in the nucleus; condensed version of chromatins.

Chromatin

Thin threadlike, gene-carrying structure found in the nucleus; loose version of chromosome.

Sister Chromatids

2 exact same DNA molecules (formed by DNA replication) that are attached by a centromere.

The Cell Cycle

Sequence of events that starts from the time a cell is first formed from a dividing parent cell until its own division into two cells.

Mitotic Phase

Consists of mitosis, nucleus and its contents divide and are evenly distributed to two identical nuclei, unique to eukaryotes.

Cytokinesis

Cytoplasm divides in two, creates 2 new identical cells.

Cytokinesis in Animal Cells

The division of the cytoplasm occurs to make 2 daughter cells; cleavage furrows forms.

Cytokinesis in Plant Cells

The division of the cytoplasm occurs to make 2 daughter cells; a cell plate forms at the equator of cell.

Carcinogens

Mutagens that cause cancer.

Diffusion

Movement of particles from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

Stem Cells

Unspecialized animal cells that can produce various specialized cells.

Meristematic Tissue

Unspecialized tissue in plants that are able to divide by mitosis and responsible for growing new parts of plant.

Epidermal Tissue

Forms the protective outer covering of the plant.

Ground Tissue

Plant tissue Where most of the plant is made from Ground Function depends on where is found in the plant.

Xylem

Plant tissue that transports water an minerals from roots up the stem to the leaves where they are used for photosynthesis

Phloem

Plant tissue that transports sugar produced during photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the plant where it is used to provide energy

Organ

An organized group of two or more tissue types that performs a specific function.

Organ System

Consists of one or more organs and other structures that work together to perform specific bodily function(s).

Circulatory System

Transports blood, nutrients, gases and wastes throughout body.

Digestive System

Takes in and break down food, absorb nutrients and removes solid waste from body.

Respiratory System

Exchanges gases in lungs.

Excretory System

Removes liquid waste from body.

Immune System

Protects and defend body against infections.

Muscular System

Works with bones to move parts of body.

Endocrine System

Makes and release hormones to keep various body systems in balance.

Reproductive System

Involves in producing offspring.

Integumentary System

Creates a waterproof barrier around body, includes skin, hair nails.

Nervous System

Detects changes in the environment and signals changes to body which then responds.

Skeletal System

Supports and works with muscles to move parts of the body.

Pulmonary

Lungs

Atria

Upper chambers of the heart.

Ventricles

Lower chambers of the heart.

Veins & Vena Cava

Vessels that bring blood to the heart.

Arteries & Aorta

Vessels bring blood out of heart.

Vein Walls

Thin, able to be pressed flat by adjacent muscles to help move blood along.

Artery Walls

Thick, able to withstand high blood pressure.

Alveoli

Clusters of air sacs with very large surface area, surrounded by capillaries.

Roots

Anchors plant in soil and collect water from surrounding and transport it to the stem and store food made in other parts of the plant

Leaves

Tissue works together to perform photosynthesis

Stem

Performs 2 major functions: Transports water and nutrients throughout plant and Supports leaves and flowers.

Flower

The reproductive structure of the plant.

Shoot system

Everything above ground - Stem, leaves, buds, flowers, fruits.

Root system

Everything underground and aerial roots (above ground roots).

Transpiration

The evaporation of water through the stomata in the leaves