Biology Chapter on Cell Structure

The fundamental building block of all living organisms. Cells are the smallest unit that can carry out all the processes of life.

A theory stating that 1) all living things are made up of cells, 2) cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things, and 3) all cells come from pre-existing cells.

A tiny, specialized structure within a cell that carries out a specific function, like a mini-organ.

The process of making a magnified image of a small object, using lenses to bend light and enlarge the image.

The ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects as separate. Higher resolution means you can see finer details.

A rigid, protective outer layer found in plant cells, providing support and structure.

A green, oval-shaped organelle found in plant cells that captures sunlight energy and converts it into chemical energy (glucose) through photosynthesis.

A large, fluid-filled sac found mainly in plant cells. It stores water, nutrients, and waste products, maintaining cell shape and turgor pressure.

The basic unit of life, containing all the necessary components for independent function.

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

A structure made up of different tissues that work together for a common purpose.

A group of organs that work together to carry out major bodily functions.

A complete living being made up of multiple organ systems.

A process that occurs during the cell cycle where the nucleus and cytoplasm divide to produce two identical daughter cells. It's divided into four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows, copies its DNA, and prepares for division. It's like the 'getting ready' phase for cell division.

The first stage of mitosis where the nuclear membrane disappears, chromosomes become visible, and the spindle fibers form.

The stage of mitosis where the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell, attached to the spindle fibers. It's like the chromosomes getting ready to separate.

The stage of mitosis where the sister chromatids (pairs of chromosomes) separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. Think of it as the chromosomes pulling apart.

The final stage of mitosis where the nuclear membrane reforms around each set of chromosomes, the chromosomes uncoil, and the cell begins to divide. Think of the cell forming two separate nuclei.

The process of dividing the cytoplasm after mitosis. It results in two distinct daughter cells. Think of it as the cell splitting in half.

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Think of molecules spreading out to create a more even distribution.

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

The process by which cells engulf large particles or fluids by enclosing them in a vesicle.

The process by which cells release large molecules or particles to the outside by enclosing them in a vesicle that fuses with the cell membrane.

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugars) using water and carbon dioxide.

The process by which cells convert glucose into ATP (energy) using oxygen.

They can use it for energy through cellular respiration, store it for later use, or use it to build their cell walls.

The process by which organisms exchange gases necessary for photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

They are interconnected by the products of one process being the reactants of the other.

Mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotic cells that lived inside larger cells, creating a symbiotic relationship that led to the development of eukaryotic cells.

Energy flows within cells, similar species have similar cells, and cells divide and pass on their genetic information.

Cells are small because they need a large surface area relative to their volume to efficiently exchange materials with their environment.

Studying cells has allowed us to understand their existence, types, internal structures, and evolution over time.

Scientists ask "why did that happen?" to learn more about cells and their functions, constantly expanding our knowledge.

The idea that nonliving matter can spontaneously produce life. For example, some ancient Greeks believed that flies could just spontaneously appear on decaying meat.

All living organisms are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living organisms, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Single-celled organisms without a defined nucleus. Their DNA is found in the cytoplasm. Examples include bacteria and archaea.

Organisms whose cells have a defined nucleus. Their DNA is stored within the nuclear membrane. Most multicellular organisms are eukaryotes.

The protective outer layer of plant cells. It provides structural support and helps maintain cell shape.

A large fluid-filled sac found mainly in plant cells that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. It also provides structural support.

Organelles found in plant cells that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

The powerhouse of the cell. They produce energy, and building blocks for other processes. They have their own DNA and ribosomes.