Term | Definition |
Cell membrane | a thin, flexible covering that protects the inside of all cells from the environment outside the cell, it allows for passage of certain substances in and out of the cell |
Chloroplast | the part of the plant cell that contains chlorophyll and allow the cell to absorb energy from sunlight and makes glucose |
Cytoplasm | a fluid inside a cell that contains salts and other molecules. It provides a water environment in which cell processes take place |
Golgi apparatus | prepares proteins for their specific jobs and packages them into vesicles |
Mitochondrion | this is the powerhouse of the cell that provides all the energy the cell needs for its different functions. It releases energy from ATP molecules. |
Ribosome | makes proteins and found in the cytoplasm of a cell |
Rough endoplasmic reticulum | provides a site for making proteins |
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum | makes lipids and helps remove harmful substances from the cell |
Vacuole | stores food, water and waste materials. It is the largest organelle in plants. |
Nucleus | found in most eukaryotic cells that direct cell activities and contains genetic information stored in DNA |
Nuclear envelope | the name of the two membranes surrounding the nucleus. The pores in this structure allow materials to pass into and out of the cell. |
Cytoskeleton | a network of threadlike proteins that are joined together. This is the framework that gives the cell its shape. |
Flagella | long, tail like appendages that whip back and forth and are used for movement |
Cilia | short, hair like structures used to move a cell or move substance away from a cell |
Prokaryotic cells | the genetic material is not surrounded by a membrane. This means that these cells DO NOT HAVE A NUCLEUS. They do not have many other cells parts and are often unicellular organisms. |
Eukaryotic Cells | the genetic material is surrounded by a membrane. This means that these cells HAVE A NUCLEUS. These cells are larger than prokaryotic cells. These cells have many other structures in them. |
Organelle | different parts that make up a Eukaryotic cell. Each has it’s own purpose and function. |
Cell wall | a stiff structure found outside of the cell membrane only in plant cells. Its purpose is to protect the cell and give it shape. |
Proteins | a macromolecule made of long chains of amino acid molecules |
Carbohydrates | made up of one or more chain of a sugar molecule. Its main job is to store energy (Ex. Bread) |
Macromolecule | large molecules that form when smaller molecules are joined together |
Lipid | a large, macromolecule that does not dissolve in water. They are used as a protective barrier in cell membranes as well as energy storage. (Ex. Cholesterol) |
Nucleic acid | macromolecules that form when long chains of molecules called nucleotides join together. This is where genetic information is stored. The two kinds are RNA and DNA. |
Cell Theory | A theory that states that all living things are made of one or more cells, the cell is the smallest unit of life, all cells come from preexisting cells. |
Binomial nomenclature | a naming system that gives each organism a two word scientific name |
Species | a group of organisms that have similar traits and are able to reproduce |
Genus | a group of similar species-the first word used in binomial nomenclature |
Dichotomous key | a series of descriptions arranged in pairs that lead the user to the identification of an unknown organism |
Cladogram | a branched diagram that shows the relationships among organisms, including common ancestors. |
Natural selection | theory developed by Darwin that states that organisms with traits best suited to their environment are most likely to survive and reproduce |
Variation | a small change in a trait that makes an individual slightly different from the other members of its species. |
Mutation | a change in a gene |
Adaptation | an inherited trait that increases an organism’s chance of surviving and reproducing in a particular environment. |
Selective breeding | a deliberate breeding of plants or animals for desired results |
Structure | the way in which the parts are organized or arranged into
whole |
Function | the job that something is designed to do |