Cell Vocab Flashcards
Cell
in biology, the smallest unit that can perform all life processes; cells are covered by a membrane and have DNA and cytoplasm
nucleus
the membrane-enclosed organelle within a cell that contains the chromosomes
cytoplasm
the semi-fluid substance of a cell that is external to the nuclear membrane and internal to the cellular membrane
cell membrane
a thin soft flexible sheet or layer especially of a plant or animal part (as a cell, tissue, or organ)
cell wall
a rigid layer of polysaccharides lying outside the plasma membrane of the cells of plants, fungi, and bacteria.
mitochondria
membrane-bound cell organelles (mitochondrion, singular) that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cells biochemical reactions.
chloroplast
plant cells organelles that convert light energy into relatively stable chemical energy via the photosynthetic process.
golgi complex
A stack of small flat sacs formed by membranes inside the cell’s cytoplasm (gel-like fluid).
Endoplasmic reticulum
a network of membranes inside a cell through which proteins and other molecules move.
Ribosome
the cellular machinery responsible for making proteins.
Lysosome
membrane-enclosed organelles that contain an array of enzymes capable of breaking down all types of biological polymers—proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Vacuole
a membrane-bound cell organelle.
Organelle
a specialized sub-unit, usually within a cell, that has a specific function.
Prokaryote
organisms whose cells lack a nucleus and other organelles.
Eukaryote
any cell or organism that possesses a clearly defined nucleus.
Tissue
a group of cells that have similar structure and that function together as a unit.
Organ
a group of tissues in a living organism that have been adapted to perform a specific function.
Organ system
a group of organs that work together in the body to perform a complex function
Organism
a living thing that can function on its own
Structure
Red Blood Cell
