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cell vocab
cells anatomy and other things
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| cell theory | The foundational theory stating that all living things are composed of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells. |
| cell | The smallest structural and functional unit of life that can operate independently. |
| Organelle: | A "little organ" or specialized, often membrane-bound structure within the cytoplasm (e.g., mitochondria, Golgi apparatus) that performs a specific function necessary for cellular homeostasis. |
| DNA | The genetic material housed within the nucleus that carries the hereditary information for cell growth, division, and function. |
| Nucleic Acid | Macromolecules (DNA and RNA) that store and transfer genetic information. |
| Cell Membrane | A selectively permeable boundary that surrounds the cell, protecting it and controlling the movement of substances in and out. |
| Cytoplasm | The gel-like substance (cytosol) enclosed by the cell membrane, surrounding the nucleus and housing the organelles. |
| Nucleus | The largest organelle, serving as the control center of the cell and storing DNA. |
| Mitochondria | The "powerhouse" of the cell, where cellular respiration occurs to generate energy (ATP). |
| Ribosome | The site of protein synthesis, which can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | A network of membranes involved in producing, processing, and transporting proteins (Rough ER) and lipids (Smooth ER). |
| Golgi Apparatus | The "post office" of the cell that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. |
| Lysosome | A vesicle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials, foreign invaders, and old cell parts. |
| Chloroplast | An organelle found in plant cells (and some algae) that converts sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis. |
| cell wall | A rigid outer layer found in plant cells (outside the cell membrane) that provides structural support and protection. |
| tissue | A group of specialized cells that work together to perform a specific function. |
| organ | A structure composed of different types of tissues that work together to carry out a particular function. |
| organ system | A group of organs that cooperate to perform complex, related functions (e.g., digestive system). |
| Selectively Permeable | A property of the cell membrane that allows only certain molecules or ions to pass through by diffusion or active transport. |
| passive transport | The movement of substances across the cell membrane down a concentration gradient (from high to low concentration) without the use of energy (ATP). |
| diffusion | The passive movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration |
| Osmosis | The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. |
| active transport | he movement of substances against a concentration gradient (from low to high concentration), which requires energy (ATP). |
| Endocytosis | A form of active transport where the cell membrane engulfs external materials to bring them into the cell. |
| Exocytosis | A form of active transport where the cell releases materials by fusing vesicles with the cell membrane. |
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