7.1 - Basic Structure of the Human Body - Cells

protoplasm

the basic substance of all life

cells

the basic unit of life that carry on all the functions of life

functions of cells

take in food and oxygen, produce heat and energy, move and adapt to their environment, eliminate wastes, preform functions, and reproduce to make new cells

cell membrane

the outer semipermeable protective covering of the cell that allows allows substances to enter and exit the cell while preventing the passage of other substances

cytoplasm

semifluid inside the cell outside the nucleus, site for all chemical reactions that take place in the cell, such as protein synthesis (formation) and cellular respiration

organelles

cell structures that help a cell to function

nucleus

the “brain” mass of the cell, controls many cell activities and Is important in the process of mitosis or cell division

nucleolus

one or more small, round bodies located inside the nucleus, and important in cell reproduction

ribosomes

made or ribonucleic adid (RNA) and protein and aid in the synthesis (production) of protein

chromatin

located in the nucleus, made of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and protein, condense to make chromosomes during cellular reproduction

chromosomes

condensed chromatin during cellular reproduction

genes

the structures that carry inherited characteristics

genome

the total mass of genetic instruction humans inherit from their parents

centrosome

contains two centrioles, during mitosis, the centrioles separate, creating an even division of chromosomes in two new cells

mitochondria

“powerhouse” of the cell, they break down carbs, proteins, and fats to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

golgi apparatus

stack of membrane layers located in the cytoplasm that produces, stores, and packages secretions for discharge in the cell

endoplasmic reticulum

fine network of tubular structures located in the cytoplasm that allows for the transport of materials into and out of the nucleus, and also aids in the synthesis and storage of proteins

vacuoles

pouch like structures that are filled with a watery substance, store food, or waste products

lysosomes

oval or round bodies that digest and destroy old cells, bacteria, and foreign materials, and important function of the body’s immune system

pinocytic vessels

pocketlike folds in the cell membrane that allow large molecules such as proteins and fats to enter the cell. when these molecules aree inside the cell, the folds close to form vacuoles or bubbles in the cytoplasm