Unit 1.1 Cells Flashcards
Multicellular
Made of many specialised cells, which are grouped into tissues and organs.
Micrometre
1mm = 1000 micrometres
Nucleus
Contains DNA and controls the cell’s activities.
Passes genetic information on to the next generation.
Plasmid
A small DNA ring found in bacterial cells and some fungal cells.
Circular chromosome
A large loop of DNA which is found in the cytoplasm of bacterial cells.
Cytoplasm
Jelly like substance found inside cells.
It is the site of chemical reactions in cells.
Cell membrane
A thin layer surrounding the cytoplasm and forming the boundary of the cell.
It controls the movement of materials in and out of the cell.
Chloroplast
An organelle (cell compartment) containing chlorophyll.
It is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells.
Vacuole
A fluid filled sac inside plant cells (and some fungal cells)
It stores water and solutes (dissolved sugars and salts) as ‘cell sap’
It regulates the water content of the cell by osmosis.
Cell wall
A mesh-like structure that surrounds and supports plant, fungal and bacterial cells.
Made of cellulose in plant cells.
Mitochondrion
This organelle is the site of aerobic respiration in cells.
The plural is mitochondria.
Ribosomes
Tiny structures found in the cytoplasm of all cells, which are the site of protein synthesis.
Specialised cells
Cells that have been altered or specialised to carry out a particular function. eg. sperm cells.
Tissue
A group of specialised cells working together. eg. muscle tissue is made of individual muscle cells working together.
Organ
A structure containing several different types of tissue. eg. leaf, small intestine
