Term | Definition |
cells | Form the parts of an organism and carry out all of an organism's processes, or functions. |
microscope | Is an instrument that makes small objects look larger. |
cell theory | Is a widely accepted explanation of the relationship between cells and living things. |
organelles | Tiny cel structures that carry out specific functions within the cell. |
cell wall | Is a rigid layer of nonliving material that surrounds the cells of plants and some other organisms. |
cell membrane | Is a thin layer of living material that controls what substances come into and our of the cell. |
nuclues | Acts as the "brain" of the cell. |
cytoplasm | Is a clear, thick, gel-like fluid that is living and is constantly moving. |
mitochondria | Is a rod-shaped structure that stores the cells energy in it and converts the energy into food molecules so the cell can use the food molecules to carry out its functions. |
endoplasmic reticulum | Is a maze of passageways that carry proteins and other materials from one part of the cell to another. |
ribosomes | Are small, grain like bodies that are attached to the sides of the endoplasmic reticulum. |
Golgi body | Are the cells mail room. |
chlorplasts | They capture energy from sunlight and use it to produce food for the cell. |
vacuole | Is a water-filled sac that is the storage are for the cell. |
lysosme | Are small round structures containing chemicals that break down certain materials in the cell. |
elements | Is any substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. |
compound | Is when two or more elements combine chemically. |
carbohydrate | Is an energy-rich organic compound made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen . |
lipids | Are energy-rich organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. |
proteins | Are large organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and, in some cases, sulfur. |
amino acids | Protein molecules are made up of these small molecules. |
enzyme | Is a type of protein that speeds up a chemical reaction in a living thing. |
nucleic acids | Are very long organic molecules made of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. |
DNA | Is the genetic material that carries information about an organism and is passed from parent to offspring. |
RNA | Plays a important role in the production of proteins. |
selectively permeable | Which means some substances can pass through the membrane while others cannot. |
diffusion | Is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. |
osmosis | Is the diffusion of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane. |
passive transport | The movement of dissolved materials through a cell membrane without using cellular energy. |
active transport | Is the movement of materials through a cell membrane using cellular energy. |