Cell Biology Terminology

Cell Definitions

• Cell (1): A. The smallest unit that is able to perform the basic functions of life.
• Unicellular (2): B. An organism that is made up of a single cell.
• Multicellular (3): C. An organism that is made up of many cells.
• Microscope (4): D. An instrument that uses glass lenses to magnify objects.
• Bacteria (5): E. A large group of unicellular organisms that sometimes cause disease.
• Cell Membrane (6): F. The outer boundary of the cytoplasm; controls what enters and leaves the cell.
• Cytoplasm (7): G. A thick gelatin-like material contained within the cell membrane.
• Nucleus (8): H. Structure in a eukaryotic cell that contains the genetic material that a cell needs to reproduce.
• Eukaryotic Cell (9): I. Has a nucleus which contains genetic material.
• Prokaryotic Cell (10): J. A cell that lacks a nucleus and other organelles, with DNA that is not organized into chromosomes.
• Organelle (11): K. Structure in a plant or animal that is enclosed by a membrane and performs a specific function.
• Cell Wall (12): L. Protective outer covering that lies just outside the cell membrane of plant cells.
• Chloroplast (13): M. An organelle in a plant cell that contains chlorophyll.
• Mitochondria (14): N. Organelles that release energy by using oxygen to break down sugars.
• Specialization (15): O. Specific organization of a cell and its structure that allows it to perform a specific function.
• Tissue (16): P. A group of similar cells that are organized to do a specific job.
• Organ (17): Q. Structure in a plant or animal that is made up of different tissues working together.
• Organ System (18): R. Different organs and tissues working together.