Cell biology key vocab

Question 1

Cell theory

Answer 1

• cells are the basic unit of life
• new cells are formed from pre-existing cells
• cells and cell products make up all of the structures in living things

Question 2

Cell

Answer 2

the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism

Question 3

Unicellular

Answer 3

Consisting of a singular cell

Question 4

Metabolism

Answer 4

the sum of chemical reactions that take place in each cell of an organism that provides energy for vital processes and for synthesizing new organic material

Question 5

Nutrition

Answer 5

The process of taking in food and using it for growth, metabolism, and repair

Question 6

Molecule

Answer 6

a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound

Question 7

Cell membrane

Answer 7

a thin membrane acting as a boundary, lining, or partition that surrounds every living cell.

Question 8

Virus

Answer 8

infectious agent of small size and simple make up that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria

Question 9

Bacteria

Answer 9

also called germs, are microscopic, unicellular, organisms not visible with the naked eye

Question 10

Organelle

Answer 10

a specialized cellular part that has a specific function and is considered similar to an organ

Question 11

Magnification

Answer 11

Magnification is the ability to make small objects seem larger, such as making a microscopic organism visible

Question 12

Resolution

Answer 12

the ability to distinguish two points as separate structures rather a single fuzzy dot

Question 13

Multicellular

Answer 13

having or consisting of many cells

Question 14

Differentiation

Answer 14

refers to the normal process by which a less specialized cell undergoes maturation to become more distinct in form and function

Question 15

stem cells

Answer 15

an undifferentiated cell that can divide to produce some offspring cells that continue as stem cells