Cellular Organization

Front

Organelle Noun

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[or-guh-nel]

Back

Organelle

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A specialized structure within a cell that performs specific life functions to maintain the cell's viability and function.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of an animal cell, labeling many of its different organelles, which are the specialized structures that perform various jobs.

Front

Prokaryotic Cell Noun

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[pro-kar-ee-ot-ik sel]

Back

Prokaryotic Cell

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A simple type of cell that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, with its DNA free-floating in the cytoplasm.

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Example: This diagram shows the structure of a bacterium, a typical prokaryotic cell, highlighting key parts like the nucleoid (DNA), ribosomes, and cell wall.

Front

Eukaryotic Cell Noun

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[yoo-kar-ee-ot-ik sel]

Back

Eukaryotic Cell

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A complex type of cell that contains a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, which compartmentalize cellular functions.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of an animal cell, a type of eukaryotic cell, highlighting its main feature: a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles.

Front

Nucleus Noun

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[noo-klee-uhs]

Back

Nucleus

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A large, membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material in the form of DNA.

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Example: This diagram shows the cell's nucleus, labeling its key parts like the nuclear envelope, chromatin (genetic material), and the central nucleolus.

Front

Ribosome Noun

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[rahy-buh-sohm]

Back

Ribosome

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A cellular component responsible for synthesizing proteins, found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, often on the endoplasmic reticulum.

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Example: This diagram shows a ribosome reading instructions from an mRNA strand to assemble a chain of amino acids, which builds a new protein.

Front

Cytoplasm Noun

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[sahy-tuh-plaz-uhm]

Back

Cytoplasm

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The jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles, providing a medium for chemical reactions.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of an animal cell, highlighting the cytoplasm as the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the nucleus.

Front

Cell Membrane Noun

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[sel mem-breyn]

Back

Cell Membrane

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The semi-permeable outer boundary of a cell that regulates which substances, such as nutrients and waste, enter and leave.

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Example: This diagram shows the cell membrane is a flexible barrier made of a phospholipid bilayer with various proteins and carbohydrates embedded within it.

Front

Cell Wall Noun

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[sel wawl]

Back

Cell Wall

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A rigid layer outside the cell membrane, found in plant cells and prokaryotes, providing structural support and protection.

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Example: This diagram shows a plant cell, highlighting the cell wall as the rigid, protective outer layer that gives the cell its boxy shape.

Front

Homeostasis Noun

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[hoh-mee-oh-stey-sis]

Back

Homeostasis

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The maintenance of a stable, balanced internal environment within a cell or organism despite external changes.

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Example: This diagram shows how a red blood cell maintains homeostasis by continuously delivering oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells.

Front

Semi-permeable Adjective

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[sem-ee-pur-mee-uh-buhl]

Back

Semi-permeable

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A property of a membrane that allows only certain molecules or ions to pass through it by diffusion.

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Example: A semi-permeable membrane allows small solvent molecules (water) to pass through but blocks larger solute molecules, causing water to move to the more concentrated side.