Science Cells Unit

What is a cell?

A basic unit of life that can perform all necessary functions for living organisms.

What is an organelle?

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes contributing to the cell's overall functionality.

What is a microscope?

An instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye, enabling detailed study of cells and structures.

What was the Silk Road?

An ancient trade route connecting the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods and knowledge, including ideas about biology.

What is the Islamic Golden Age?

A period of cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the history of Islam with significant advancements in fields like biology.

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.

What is a prokaryotic cell?

A simple, unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including bacteria and archaea.

What is a eukaryotic cell?

A complex cell that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

What is a heterotroph?

An organism that cannot produce its own food and depends on consuming other organisms for energy.

What is an autotroph?

An organism that can produce its own food from inorganic substances using light or chemical energy.

What are multicellular organisms?

Organisms composed of multiple cells that work together to perform functions, like animals, plants, and fungi.

What are unicellular organisms?

Organisms made up of a single cell that performs all necessary functions for life, like bacteria and some protists.

Who is Robert Hooke?

The scientist who first observed and coined the term 'cell' after examining cork under a microscope.

What did Ḥasan Ibn al-Haytham contribute to biology?

He is known for his work in optics and the scientific method, influencing later developments in biology and microscopy.

What did Schleiden propose?

He proposed that all plants are made of cells, contributing to the cell theory.

What did Schwann state?

He stated that all animals are composed of cells, further supporting the cell theory.

What did Virchow conclude?

He concluded that all cells come from existing cells, completing the cell theory.

What do lysosomes do?

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

What is the function of the cell wall?

A rigid outer layer that provides support and protection to plant cells.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

What is the cell membrane's role?

A semi-permeable barrier that regulates what enters and exits the cell.

What is cytoplasm?

The gel-like substance within the cell membrane that contains organelles and is the site of metabolic processes.

What does a vacuole do?

Stores various substances, including nutrients, waste products, and water.

What is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

What is the role of chloroplasts?

Conducts photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

What do ribosomes do?

Synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

What is the function of the nucleus?

The control center of the cell that contains genetic material (DNA) and regulates cellular activities.

What is the role of mitochondria?

Organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration.

What are the three statements of the Modern Cell Theory?

1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. 2. The cell is the basic unit of life. 3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have a true nucleus and complex organelles.

What are the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells?

Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts while animal cells have lysosomes and centrioles. Both have a nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria.

How do you make a wet mount slide?

Gather materials, place the specimen on the slide, add a drop of water, position the coverslip, lower it onto the slide, then observe under the microscope.