Term | Definition |
adaptation | a trait that makes a living thing better able to survive |
cell | the basic unit of all living things |
cell membrane | the cell part that gives the cell shape and holds the cytoplasm |
cellular respiration | the process by which food is broken down and energy is released |
cell wall | the thick, outer covering outside the cell membrane |
centriole | cell parts that help with cell reproduction |
chloroplast | cell parts that contain the green pigment, chlorophyll |
chromosome | cell parts with information that determines what traits a living thing will have |
consumer | living things that eat, or consume, other living things |
cytoplasm | the clear, jelly-like material between the cell membrane and the nucleus that makes up most of the cell |
development | all the changes that occur as a living thing grows |
diffusion | the movement of a substance from where there is a large amount of it to where there is a small amount of it |
mitochondria | cell parts that produce energy from food that has been digested |
nuclear membrane | a structure that surrounds the nucleus and separates it from the rest of the cell |
nucleolus | the cell part that helps make ribosomes |
nucleus | the cell part that controls most of the cell’s activities |
organ | a group of tissues that work together to do a job |
organism | a living thing |
organ system | a group of organs that work together to do a certain job |
osmosis | the movement of water across the cell membrane |
producer | living things that make, or produce, their own food |
reproduce | to form offspring similar to the parents |
ribosome | cell parts where proteins are made |
tissue | a group of similar cells that work together to carry out a special job |
vacuole | a liquid-filled space that stores food, water and minerals |