Cell Biology and Photosynthesis Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering basic cell structure, cell theory, differences between plant and animal cells, and the process of photosynthesis.

Cell

The smallest unit of life and the basic unit of life.

Unicellular

Organisms made of one cell, such as bacteria.

Multicellular

Organisms made of many cells, such as humans and plants.

Cell Theory

The 3 main ideas that all living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from existing cells.

Cell Membrane

Controls what enters and leaves the cell and protects the cell.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell which contains DNA.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance where cell activities happen.

Mitochondria

Produces energy for the cell; called the "powerhouse" of the cell.

Ribosomes

Organelles that make proteins.

Cell Wall

A structure in plant cells that gives the cell support and shape.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that contain chlorophyll and allow plants to make food through photosynthesis.

Large Vacuole

A part of a plant cell that stores water and materials.

Animal Cell

A type of cell with no cell wall, no chloroplasts, small vacuoles, and a more flexible shape.

Plant Cell

A type of cell with a cell wall, chloroplasts, a large vacuole, and a more fixed shape.

Photosynthesis

The process plants use to make their own food using sunlight.

Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$)

One of the substances needed by plants for photosynthesis.

Oxygen ($O_2$)

A substance produced by plants during the process of photosynthesis.

Glucose

The food (sugar) produced by plants during photosynthesis.

DNA

Instructions that control traits.

Organelles

Small structures inside cells with specific jobs.

Energy

The ability to do work.