The Diversity of Cells Flashcards
the smallest unit that can perform all life processes; cells are covered by a membrane and have a DNA and cytoplasm
cell
a phospholipid layer that covers a cells surface; acts as a barrier between the inside of a cell and the cells environment
cell membrane
one of the small bodies in a cells cytoplasm that are specialized to perform a specific function
organelle
a dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material.
nucleus
a microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles. Prokaryotes include the bacteria and cyanobacteria.
prokaryote
an organism consisting of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is DNA in the form of chromosomes contained within a distinct nucleus. Eukaryotes include all living organisms other than the eubacteria and archaebacteria.
eukaryote
a rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane and provides support to the cell
cell wall
cell organelle composed of RNA and protein: the site of protein synthesis
ribosome
a system of membrane that is found in a cell’s cytoplasm and that assists in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and in the production of lipids
endoplasmic reticulum
in eukaryotic cells, the cell organelle that is surrounded by two membranes and that is the site of cellular respiration
mitochondrion
cell organelle that helps make and package materials to be transported out of the cell
golgi complex
a small cavity or sac that contains materials of a eukaryotic cell
vesicle
a cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes
lysosome
a group of similar cells that perform a common function
tissue
a collection of tissues that carry out a specialized function of the body
organ
