Cells

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Cell Noun

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[sel]

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Cell

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The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms, often called the building block of life.

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Example: This diagram shows a basic animal cell, labeling key parts like the nucleus (the control center), cytoplasm (the jelly-like substance), mitochondria (powerhouses), and the cell membrane.

Front

Prokaryotic cell Noun

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

Back

Prokaryotic cell

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A type of cell that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, characteristic of bacteria and archaea.

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Example: This diagram shows a bacterium, a type of prokaryotic cell. It lacks a nucleus, with its DNA located in a central nucleoid region instead.

Front

Eukaryotic cell Noun

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

Back

Eukaryotic cell

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A type of cell that possesses a membrane-bound nucleus containing genetic material and other specialized membrane-bound organelles.

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Example: This diagram shows a eukaryotic cell, specifically an animal cell, with its key parts like the nucleus and mitochondria clearly labeled.

Front

Organelle Noun

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[or-guh-nel]

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Organelle

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

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Example: This diagram shows a mitochondrion, a specific example of an organelle, which is a specialized structure inside a cell with a specific job.

Front

Nucleus Noun

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[noo-klee-uhs]

Back

Nucleus

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

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Example: This diagram shows a cutaway view of the cell's nucleus, labeling its key parts like the chromatin (genetic material) and the nucleolus.

Front

Mitochondria Noun

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[my-toh-kon-dree-uh]

Back

Mitochondria

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The organelle responsible for generating most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration.

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Example: This diagram shows that mitochondria take in nutrients from food (like rice) and convert them into usable energy, called ATP, for the cell.

Front

Chloroplast Noun

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[klor-uh-plast]

Back

Chloroplast

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An organelle found in plant and algal cells that is the site of photosynthesis, converting light into chemical energy.

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Example: This diagram shows a chloroplast, the part of a plant cell where photosynthesis happens, and its location inside a plant leaf.

Front

Cell Membrane Noun

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[sel mem-breyn]

Back

Cell Membrane

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The semipermeable barrier surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell, regulating the passage of substances into and out of it.

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Example: This diagram shows the cell membrane is a flexible barrier (phospholipid bilayer) with different types of proteins embedded in it that help transport materials.

Front

Cell Wall Noun

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[sel wawl]

Back

Cell Wall

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A rigid layer of polysaccharides lying outside the cell membrane of plant, fungi, and bacterial cells, providing structural support.

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Example: This diagram shows the layered structure of a plant cell wall, located outside the plasma membrane, and identifies its main chemical components like cellulose.

Front

Cytoplasm Noun

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[sy-toh-plaz-uhm]

Back

Cytoplasm

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The jelly-like substance that fills the cell, enclosing the nucleus and containing all of the organelles and cytosol.

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Example: This diagram shows the cytoplasm as the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds all the organelles, located between the nucleus and the outer cell membrane.