Term | Definition |
infectious | a disease that is caused by microbes (germs) and can be passed from one organism to another |
infectious agent | an organism that causes disease |
cell | the smallest structural unit that makes up all living organisms. cells are able to perform all life functions. cells have unique structures related to their function. |
cell membrane | the structure that separates the cell from it's outside environment and controls what enters the cell |
cell wall | the layer outside of the cell membrane. It can be tough and flexible with a definite shape. it provides the cell with support and protection. |
chloroplast | a green colored organelle that is the site of photosynthesis within the cells of plants and algae |
cytoplasm | the liquid or gel-like material that fills much of the inside of cells, and the location of many of the reactions that take place in the cell |
nucleas | the part of the cell that contains the genes. this is the control center of the cell |
nuclear membrane | the structure that separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm in a cell |
organelles | the small parts found inside a cell, often surrounded by a separate membrane, that performs a specific function |
disease | a breakdown in the structure and function of a living organism |
microbe | a microscopic cellular organism or a virus, some of which can cause disease |
multicellular | an organism that is made of more than one cell |
unicellular | describing single-celled organisms, including bacteria and some protists |
eukaryote | organisms that have cells that contain a nucleus |
prokaryote | organisms whose cells do not have a nucleus. the DNA of prokaryotes is located in the cytoplasm of the cell |
vector | an animal that spreads disease-causing microbes, usually without getting itself sick |
virus | small infectious agents that cannot grow or reproduce by themselves. instead, they must invade living cells to multiply. viruses are not made of cells |