Cell Theory

Front

Cell Noun

---

[sel]

Back

Cell

---

The smallest, basic structural and functional unit of life that is capable of performing all life functions.

---

Example: This diagram shows a basic animal cell, labeling key parts like the nucleus (the control center) and the cell membrane (the outer boundary).

Front

Cell Theory Noun

---

[sel thee-uh-ree]

Back

Cell Theory

---

The scientific theory stating all living things are made of cells, which are life's basic units, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

---

Example: This image shows the labeled parts of a single prokaryotic (bacterial) cell, such as its DNA, ribosomes, and cell wall.

Front

Unicellular Adjective

---

[yoo-ni-sel-yuh-ler]

Back

Unicellular

---

Describing a living organism that is composed of only a single cell, which performs all vital functions.

---

Example: This image shows a complete, living organism called a Paramecium, which is made of only a single cell that performs all life functions.

Front

Multicellular Adjective

---

[muhl-tee-sel-yuh-ler]

Back

Multicellular

---

Describing a living organism that consists of many specialized cells that work together to sustain life.

---

Example: This diagram shows that a large structure, like a muscle, is made up of many smaller individual units called cells, which is the definition of multicellular.

Front

Spontaneous Generation Noun

---

[spon-tey-nee-uhs jen-uh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Spontaneous Generation

---

The disproven scientific hypothesis that living organisms could arise directly from nonliving matter.

---

Example: This image shows Francesco Redi's experiment where maggots only appear on meat in the open jar, proving that life (flies) creates more life.

Front

Cell Division Noun

---

[sel dih-vizh-uhn]

Back

Cell Division

---

The fundamental biological process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

---

Example: This image shows how a single 'mother cell' first copies its DNA and then divides to create two new, identical 'daughter cells'.

Front

Prokaryote Noun

---

[proh-kar-ee-oht]

Back

Prokaryote

---

A unicellular organism whose cell lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

---

Example: This diagram shows a bacterium, a type of prokaryote. It highlights key features like the lack of a nucleus, with its DNA in a nucleoid region.

Front

Eukaryote Noun

---

[yoo-kar-ee-oht]

Back

Eukaryote

---

An organism whose cells contain a distinct nucleus and other membrane-bound structures called organelles.

---

Example: This diagram shows an animal cell, a type of eukaryotic cell, characterized by its membrane-bound nucleus and other complex, membrane-bound organelles.

Front

Organelle Noun

---

[awr-guh-nel]

Back

Organelle

---

A specialized, membrane-bound structure within a eukaryotic cell that performs a specific, vital function.

---

Example: This diagram shows the nucleus, a key organelle inside a cell. An organelle is like a tiny organ, a specialized part that does a specific job.

Front

Nucleus Noun

---

[noo-klee-uhs]

Back

Nucleus

---

A large, membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material and controls cell activities.

---

Example: This diagram shows a cutaway of the cell's nucleus, labeling its key parts like the nucleolus, chromatin, and the protective nuclear envelope.