Cell Biology Basics

Mitochondria

• The control center of the cell that contains genetic material.

• The powerhouse of the cell that makes energy during the process of cellular respiration.

• The structure responsible for protein synthesis in the cell.

• The outer layer of the cell that regulates what enters and exits.

Centriole

• Molecular structures inside animal cells which help organize structures during cell division.

• Organelles responsible for energy production in cells.

• Structures that provide support and shape to plant cells.

• Components of the cell membrane that regulate transport.

Golgi Body

• Flattened sacs which help to package products of the cell into vesicles.

• Organelles that produce energy for the cell.

• Structures that synthesize proteins for the cell.

• Components that provide structural support to the cell.

Unicellular

• A single cell that can carry out all life functions.

• An organism made up of multiple cells.

• A type of cell that cannot reproduce.

• A cell that only exists in multicellular organisms.

Cell Wall

• Rigid outer boundary found in bacterial, plant and fungal cells.

• Flexible inner structure found in animal cells.

• Protective layer that allows for nutrient absorption in all cells.

• Fluid-filled space that contains organelles in plant cells.

Organelle

• Internal membrane bound structure found inside eukaryotic cells.

• Smallest unit of life that can replicate independently.

• Structure that provides support and protection to plant cells.

• Cellular structure responsible for energy production in prokaryotes.

Cytoplasm

• The jelly-like liquid material that supports the internal structures and helps with the cell's metabolism.

• A rigid structure that provides support and shape to the cell.

• The control center of the cell that contains genetic material.

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

Multicellular

• Simple group of cells that function independently.

• Complex group of cells which work together to carry out all life functions.

• Single-celled organisms that can live in colonies.

• Cells that are unable to perform any life functions.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

• System of membrane tubes which helps to make fats and proteins.

• A structure that stores genetic information.

• An organelle responsible for energy production.

• A network of fibers that provides structural support.

Vesicles

• Small internal "bubbles" of membrane which store products made by the cell to be transported.

• Large organelles responsible for energy production in the cell.

• Structures that provide structural support to the cell membrane.

• Components of the cytoskeleton that help in cell movement.