Term | Definition |
Cytology | The scientific study of cells. |
Cell | The structural, functional and biological unit of all organisms. |
Organelle | One small part of a cell that has a very specific function or job. |
Organism | A living thing that can function on its own. |
Unicellular | An organism that has only one single cell. |
Multicellular | A complex organism, made up of many cells. |
Prokaryotic | Having cells that lack membrane-bound nuclei. |
Prokaryotes | A single-celled organism that doesn't have a nucleus. |
Eukaryotic | Having cells with `good' or membrane-bound nuclei. |
Eukaryotes | An organism whose cells contain a nucleus within a membrane. |
Cell Theory | The theory that cells form the fundamental structural and functional units of all living organisms. |
Virus | A disease-causing agent. |
Tissues | Part of the body of a living thing that is made of similar cells. |
Organs | A part of an organism that is typically self-contained and has a specific vital function, such as the heart or liver in humans. |
Diffusion/Passive transport | Transport of a substance across a cell membrane by diffusion |
Osmosis | The scientific process of transferring fluid between molecules. |
Active Transport | Transport of a substance (as a protein or drug) across a cell membrane against the concentration gradient |
Semi-permeable | Polymeric membrane that will allow certain molecules or ions to pass through it by diffusion |
Phagocytosis | Process in which phagocytes engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris |
Pinocytosis | Process by which certain cells can engulf and incorporate droplets of fluid |