2. Organisation of the organism Flashcards
2.1 Cell structure 2.2 Size of specimens
Cells
The smallest basic units of all living organisms.
Cell membrane
The boundary of a cell, which regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm
A jelly-like substance that is the site for most chemical reactions in a cell.
DNA
A large molecule made from bases, and which carries genetic information in the form of genes.
Nucleus
The nucleus is an organelle found in animal and plant cells. It contains genetic information (DNA) and controls all the activities of the cell.
Ribosomes
Sub-cellular structures in which protein synthesis takes place.
Mitochondria
(singular: mitochondrion) Sub-cellular structures that release energy for the cell by aerobic respiration.
Chloroplasts
Sub-cellular structures found in some plant cells; the site of photosynthesis.
Which kingdom’s cells do not include mitochondria?
Prokaryotes
Chlorophyll
Green pigment found in plants, which absorbs energy from sunlight for photosynthesis.
Vacuoles
Relatively large, permanent structures in plant cells, filled with cell sap.
Cell wall
The outer layer of a plant cell, made of a network of cellulose fibres.
Circular DNA
Chromosomal DNA found in bacteria.
Plasmids
A short loop of DNA found in bacteria that is not part of the bacteria’s chromosome.
Root hair cells
Type of cell in plant roots that has a large surface area for the absorption of water and mineral ions from the soil.
Palisade mesophyll cell
Specialised cell in leaves packed with many chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
Ciliated epithelial cell
Type of specialised cell with cilia (fine hairs) that sweep mucus out of the trachea.
Neurone
A neurone is a specialised cell that transmits electrical nerve impulses.
Red blood cell
Type of animal cell that contains haemoglobin, and which transports oxygen around the body.
Egg cell
The female gamete. Also called an ovum (plural: ova).
Sperm cell
The male gamete in humans and other animals.
Cell cycle
Series of stages that takes place in a growing and dividing cell