Cells are Cool!

How do we know? Just watch the video below and you will find out!

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

Module Key Terms

Cell: the basic unit of life
Cell Theory: describes the properties of cells; all living things are made up of one or more cells; new cells come from old cells; cells are the basic unit of structure and function of life
Organelle: a structure within a cell that carries out a specific function
Nucleus (pl. nuclei): the control center of the cell; where DNA is located
Nuclear membrane/nuclear envelope: the membrane that surrounds the cell
Unicellular: an organism composed of one cell
Multicellular: an organism composed of more than one cell
Eukaryote: a cell that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
Prokaryote: a cell that lacks a nucleus
Cell Membrane or Plasma Membrane: the outer layer of the cell that controls what enters and leaves the cell; cells have a selectively permeable membrane
Cell Wall: a tough, but flexible layer that is on the outside of the cell membrane; found in plants, fungi, bacteria, and some protists; provides support and protection
Nucleolus (pl. nucleoli): the part of the nucleus where ribosomes are made
Centrioles: involved in cell reproduction; found in animal cells; aids in spindle formation
Chloroplast: found in plant cells; an organelle that contains chlorophyll, where photosynthesis occurs
Chromatin: a tangled mass of DNA and proteins
Chromosomes: when chromatin forms a tightly mass of DNA during cell division
Cytoplasm: a gel-like substance that surrounds the organelles; site of chemical reactions
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): a type of nucleic acid that contains genes and directs cell activities
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): an organelle that is composed of a set of tubules that transport proteins in the cell; “rough” ER has ribosomes; smooth ER does not
Golgi complex: an organelle that packages and processes proteins before they leave the cell
Lysosome: an organelle that contains digestive enzymes that breakdown food and waste; not usually found in plant cells
Mitochondrion (pl. mitochondria): an organelle that produces energy (ATP)
Vacuole: an organelle used for storage
Ribosome: organelle made of RNA that is the site of protein synthesis
Selectively Permeable Membrane: a living or nonliving membrane that lets certain things pass-through
Passive Transport: movement across the cell membrane without using the cell’s energy; a type of diffusion
Diffusion: a movement of molecules from an area of high to low concentration
Osmosis: a movement of water from high to low concentration
Facilitated Diffusion/Transport: when a carrier molecule located in the cell membrane helps a molecule get into the cell that normally would not be able to enter
Carrier Protein: special proteins located in the cell membrane that create a “tunnel” that helps large molecules get into the cell
Active Transport: a movement of molecules from areas of low to high concentration; requires the cell’s energy (ATP)
Receptor-Mediated Transport: a type of transport where substances bind to specialized molecules before becoming engulfed
Endocytosis: a type of active transport where molecules are engulfed into the cell
Exocytosis: a type of active transport where molecules leave the cell
Pinocytosis: a type of endocytosis where liquids are taken into the cell
Phagocytosis: a type of endocytosis where food (solid particles) are taken into the cell
Isotonic: a solution where there is an equal concentration on each side of the membrane
Hypertonic: a solution that has a higher concentration of the dissolved substance than on the other side of the membrane
Hypotonic: a solution that has a lower concentration of the dissolved substance than on the other side of the membrane
Solute: what gets dissolved in a solution
Solvent: what dissolves the solute
Microscope: an instrument that allows us to see things that you normally cannot see with the naked eye
Light Microscope: a type of microscope that uses light and two lenses to magnify an object