Cells (vocab terms) Flashcards
A type of cell that is very simple and does not have a nucleus. The DNA is not inside a special membrane but floats in the cell.
Ex: bacteria
Prokaryote
A type of cell that is more complex and has a nucleus, where the DNA is stored.
Ex: plants, animals, fungi, and protists
Eukaryote
are tiny structures that carry out specific functions within a cell
Organelle
are organelles in cells that produce energy for the cell. They are called the powerhouse of the cell
Mitochondria
is an organelle within the cells of plants and certain algae that is the site of photosynthesis
Chloroplast
are the storage areas of cells
Vacuoles
is the control center of the cell and it stores the genetic material, called DNA
Nucleus
are like little factories that produce protein
Ribosomes
is like a highway inside the cell that helps move things around within the cell
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
take proteins and other materials, package them up, and send them to different parts of the cell or to other places in the body where they are needed
Golgi Bodies (Golgi Apparatus)
are tiny helpers in the cell that help it divide and make new cells. They help organize the parts that pull the cell apart during cell division
Centrioles
is the strong outer layer of a plant cell that protects it and gives it shape and support. It helps the plant stand tall and keeps the cell safe. Animal cells do not have a cell wall
Cell Wall
is like a gatekeeper for the cell. It controls what goes in and out, letting certain things in and keeping certain things out. It also helps hold the cell together
Cell Membrane
is the jelly-like fluid inside a cell that holds all the organelles in place. It helps the cell keep its shape and allows nutrients and other materials to move around
Cytoplasm
This is how our body keeps everything balanced and just right.
Example: When you play outside on a hot day, your body starts to sweat. Sweating helps cool you down so you don’t get too hot. That’s homeostasis—your body is working to keep the right temperature!
Homeostasis
This is when water moves from one place to another through a special barrier, like a cell wall.
Example: If you put a raisin in a cup of water overnight, it will swell up because water moves into it. That’s osmosis!
Osmosis
This is when things spread out from where there is a lot to where there is less.
Example: When you spray perfume in one corner of a room, the smell spreads all around.
Diffusion
is when a cell large molecules, fluids, or even entire microorganisms by wrapping its membrane around them and bringing them inside.
Endosytosis
(En-do-sy-TOE-sis)
is when a cell expels things, like waste or chemicals, by packing them in a little bubble and sending them out of the cell.
Exocytosis
(Ex-o-sy-TOE-sis)
Happens without energy
Example: diffusion and osmosis
Passive transport
NEEDS energy
Example: Exocytosis and endosytosis
Active transport
