cells Flashcards
organism
A living thing
cell
The smallest functional unit in an organism-the building block of life
microscope
An optical instrument used to magnify objects, so small details can be seen clearly
observation
Carefully looking at an object or process
nucleus
The cell component that controls the cell and contains genetic material.
cell membrane
The cell component that controls the building block of life
cytoplasm
a ‘jelly-like’ substance found in cells, where all chemical reactions take place
mitochondria
the cell component where respiration takes place
respiration
a chemical reaction where food and oxygen are converted into energy, water and carbon dioxide.
cell wall
the plant cell component that surrounds the cell, providing support
vacuole
the plant cell component that contains cell sap and helps to keep the cell firm
chloroplast
the plant cell component where photosynthesis takes place
specialised cell
a cell whose shape and structure enable it to perform a particular function
nerve cell
an animal cell that transmits electrical impulses around the body
red blood cell
an animal cell that transports oxygen around the body
