Levels of organisation and cell structure

Organelle

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

Cell

smallest unit of life

Tissue

A group of similar cells that perform the same function.

Organ

A collection of tissues that carry out a specialised function of the body

Organ system

group of organs that work together to perform a specific function

contract

Become shorter. Muscles contract and relax to allow movement.

magnification

The amount that an image of something is scaled up when viewed through a microscope.

organism

Living entity, eg animals, plants or microorganisms.

vacuole

A space within the cytoplasm of plant cells that contains cell sap.

Cytoplasm

A jellylike fluid inside the cell where most of the chemical reactions happen

Nucleus

Contains genetic material which controls the cell's activities

Cell membrane

Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell

Mitochondria

Where most energy is released in respiration

Ribosome

Where protein synthesis happens

Chloroplasts

Absorb light energy for photosynthesis

Cell wall

Strengthens the cell and supports the plant

Permanent vacuole

Filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid

Specialised cells

Cells that are adapted to carry out a particular function

protein fibres

Cells in muscle that can contract (become shorter)

Cilliated cells

Cells with little "hairs" on them. Help move things along your trachea

Red Blood Cells (RBC) function

Blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the body cells.

Red Blood Cells (RBC) structure

Cells that contain haemoglobin, have no nucleus, is biconcave and flexible

Root hair cell function

Absorbs water and mineral ions from the soil.

Root hair cell adaptations

Large surface area to volume ratio, long thin extension, no chloroplasts

Xylem vessel function

transports water in the plant, supports the plant

Xylem vessel adaptations

Strong, water proof cell walls. Form a continuous tube.

Calculating Magnification

size of image / actual size of specimen

Calculating actual size of a biological specimen

Measured size / magnification