Cells Flashcards
Mitochondrion
cell organelle that converts the chemical energy stored in food into compounds that are more convenient for the cell to use
Cell
basic unit of all forms of life
Organ System
group of organs that work together to perform a specific function
Cell Theory
fundamental concept of biology that states that all living things are composed of cells; that cells are the basic units of structure and function in living things; and that new cells are produced from existing cells
Cell Wall
strong, supporting layer around the cell membrane in some cells
Ribosome
cell organelle consisting of RNA and protein found throughout the cytoplasm in a cell; the site of protein synthesis
Endoplasmic Reticulum
internal membrane system found in eukaryotic cells; place where lipid components of the cell membrane are assembled
Hypertonic
when comparing two solutions, the solution with the greater concentration of solutes
Chloroplast
organelle found in cells of plants and some other organisms that captures the energy from sunlight and converts it into chemical energy
Golgi Apparatus
organelle in cells that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and other materials from the endoplasmic reticulum for storage in the cell or release outside the cell
Osmosis
diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane
Organ
group of tissues that work together to perform closely related functions
Cell Membrane
thin, flexible barrier that surrounds all cells; regulates what enters and leaves the cell
Prokaryote
unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus
Isotonic
when the concentration of two solutions is the same
Nucleus
in cells, structure that contains the cell’s genetic material in the form of DNA
Tissue
group of similar cells that perform a particular function
Vacuole
cell organelle that stores materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates
Eukaryote
organism whose cells contain a nucleus
Lipid
macromolecule made mostly from carbon and hydrogen atoms; includes fats, oils, and waxes
Homeostasis
relatively constant internal physical and chemical conditions that organisms maintain
Hypotonic
when comparing two solutions, the solution with the lesser concentration of solutes
Selectively Permeable
property of biological membranes that allows some substances to pass across it while others cannot; also called semipermeable membrane
Diffusion
process by which particles tend to move from an area where they are more concentrated to an area where they are less concentrated
Lysosome
cell organelle that breaks down lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins into small molecules that can used by the rest of the cell
Cytoplasm
fluid portion of the cell outside the nucleus
