Cell Vocabulary

Chloroplast

• Found in animal cells, site of respiration.

• Found in plant cells, site of photosynthesis.

• Found in bacteria, site of cell division.

• Found in fungi, site of nutrient absorption.

Cell Theory

• All living things are made of cells.

• Cells are the basic unit of life.

• All cells come from preexisting cells.

• Cells can arise spontaneously from non-living matter.

Passive Transport

• Movement of molecules across the cell membrane without using energy (ATP)

• Movement of molecules across the cell membrane using energy (ATP)

• Movement of molecules against the concentration gradient without using energy (ATP)

• Movement of molecules through a protein channel using energy (ATP)

Osmosis

• diffusion of water across a membrane

• active transport of nutrients

• movement of solutes from high to low concentration

• osmosis is a type of cellular respiration

Cytoskeleton

• Provides structure and helps with movement.

• Stores genetic information.

• Synthesizes proteins for the cell.

• Regulates cell division.

Ribosome

• Makes proteins.

• Breaks down carbohydrates.

• Stores genetic information.

• Transports nutrients.

Nucleus

• Control center of the cell, contains DNA.

• Site of protein synthesis in the cell.

• Powerhouse of the cell, produces energy.

• Storage center for waste materials.

Eukaryote

• A cell that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

• A unicellular organism without a nucleus.

• A type of prokaryotic cell with a simple structure.

• A cell that lacks membrane-bound organelles.

Cell Wall

• Rigid layer around plant cells that provides support and protection.

• Flexible membrane that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

• Gel-like substance where organelles are suspended.

• Outer layer that allows for gas exchange in plant cells.

Cytoplasm

• A jellylike fluid inside the cell that holds organelles.

• A rigid structure that provides support to the cell.

• A network of protein filaments that helps the cell maintain its shape.

• A membrane-bound organelle that produces energy for the cell.