Biology Basics: Cell Structure and Function

Cell differentiation

• Process that occurs when a cell develops to carry out a specialized task

• Process of cell division that leads to two identical cells

• Process by which cells lose their ability to perform specific functions

• Process of cells merging to form a larger cell

Cells

• Basic unit of structure and function in living things

• Smallest unit of matter

• Group of similar cells that perform a specific function

• Unit of heredity in living organisms

Cellulose

• A soft, living material found in animal cells

• A hard, nonliving material that makes up the cell wall of a plant cell

• A type of protein found in muscle tissue

• A carbohydrate that provides energy to animals

Mitosis

• Division of the cytoplasm

• Division of the nucleus

• Replication of DNA

• Separation of chromosomes

Chlorophyll

• Green material in chloroplasts that is needed for plants to make food

• A type of carbohydrate produced by plants

• A pigment that absorbs all colors of light

• A protein that helps in plant respiration

Cell division

• Process by which cells reproduce

• A method of cell destruction

• A type of cellular aging

• A phase of cellular metabolism

Ribosomes

• Small round structures that make proteins

• Large organelles that store energy

• Flat membranes that transport materials

• Complex molecules that synthesize DNA

Cell membrane

• Thin structure that surrounds a cell

• Thick layer that protects the nucleus

• Fluid-filled space within the cell

• Rigid structure that provides shape to the cell

Daughter cells

• New cells produced by cell division

• Cells that are identical to the parent cell

• Cells that undergo apoptosis

• Cells that are formed during meiosis

Mitochondria

• Rice-shaped structures that produce energy for a cell

• Small organelles responsible for protein synthesis

• Cellular structures involved in photosynthesis

• Membrane-bound sacs for storage and transport