MS-LS1-2: Cell Structure and Function

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Cell Noun

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[sel]

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Cell

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The basic unit of structure and function in all living things, often referred to as life's building block.

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Example: This diagram shows a plant cell with labeled parts, illustrating the cell as a basic unit of life.

Front

Prokaryote Noun

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[pro-kar-ee-oht]

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Prokaryote

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A simple cell type, like bacteria, that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

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Example: This diagram shows a prokaryotic cell, like bacteria, with labeled parts such as the nucleoid area and ribosomes.

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Eukaryote Noun

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[yoo-kar-ee-oht]

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Eukaryote

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A complex cell type that has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, found in plants, animals, and fungi.

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Example: The image shows an animal cell with labeled organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and Golgi complex, illustrating the complexity of eukaryotic cells.

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Multicellular Adjective

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[muhl-tee-sel-yuh-ler]

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Multicellular

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Describing an organism that is made up of more than one cell, often with specialized cells for different functions.

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Example: This image shows skeletal muscle cells, illustrating how multicellular organisms have specialized cells like muscle fibers.

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Cytoplasm Noun

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[sy-toh-plaz-uhm]

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Cytoplasm

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The fluid-like substance that fills a cell, containing organelles and other materials necessary for life functions.

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Example: The cytoplasm is shown as the fluid-like area inside the cell, surrounding organelles like the nucleus.

Front

Organelle Noun

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[or-guh-nel]

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Organelle

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A specialized structure within a eukaryotic cell that performs a specific function; its name means 'little organ'.

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Example: The image shows organelles like the nucleus and mitochondria inside an animal cell, highlighting their roles as 'little organs' within the cell.

Front

Nucleus Noun

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[noo-klee-uhs]

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Nucleus

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The large organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material, which is DNA.

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Example: The nucleus is shown with labeled parts like the nuclear envelope and nucleolus, highlighting its role in containing DNA.

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DNA Noun

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[dee-en-ey]

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DNA

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The complex molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.

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Example: The image shows DNA's double helix structure with labeled base pairs and backbone, illustrating genetic instructions.

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Cell Membrane Noun

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[sel mem-breyn]

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Cell Membrane

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The flexible, porous outer boundary of a cell that controls what substances are able to enter and leave.

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Example: The image shows the cell membrane's structure, highlighting proteins and lipids that control entry and exit of substances.

Front

Phospholipid Noun

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[fos-foh-lip-id]

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Phospholipid

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A type of lipid molecule that is a primary structural component of the cell membrane, forming a flexible barrier.

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Example: The image shows a phospholipid with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail, forming a cell membrane barrier.