Cell Vocabulary Unit 4

1. Ribosomes- Protein producing organelles; decode genetic material to assemble amino acids into proteins.

2. Mitochondria- Energy producing organelles; contain inner membranes (cristae) which increase surface area to allow for more ATP production.

3. Chloroplast- Specialized structures 3. Chloroplast- Specialized structures within plant cells that allow for photosynthesis to occur.

4. DNA- Genetic makeup which codes for 4. DNA- Genetic makeup which codes for all life, leads to cell specialization and expression of genetic traits (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

5. Nucleus- Control center of the cell.

6. Plasma Membrane- Phospholipid bilayer surrounding all cells, allows for semi-permeability and homeostasis.

7. Cell Wall- Surrounds the cell membrane 7. Cell Wall- Surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells; made of a rigid carbohydrate, cellulose, which maintains support and structure.

8. Organelles- Specialized structures in a 8. Organelles- Specialized structures in a cell that carry out the cell’s internal processes.

9. Eukaryotic Cell- A cell containing a true nucleus.

10. Prokaryotic Cell- A cell that does not have a true nucleus.

11. Cell- The basic unit of life; makes up all living organisms.

12. Sperm Cell- Male sex cell.

13. Vacuole- Organelles that take in excess 13. Vacuole- Organelles that take in excess water in a cell through the process of osmosis; larger in plant cells due to additional water intake.

14. Differentiation- Occurs when a less 14. Differentiation- Occurs when a less specialized cell is transformed into a more specialized cell.

15. Plant Cell- Eukaryotic cell containing 15. Plant Cell- Eukaryotic cell containing membrane bound organelles in addition to a cell wall and chloroplasts.

16. Muscle Cell- Cell that composes. muscles, complete with many 16. Muscle Cell- Cell that composes muscles, complete with many mitochondria and myofibrils for contraction.

17. Nerve Cell- Sends electrical and. chemical signals that allow for 17. Nerve Cell- Sends electrical and chemical signals that allow for communication and connections to be made.

18. Stem Cells- Cells that have not yet 18. Stem Cells- Cells that have not yet differentiated (embryonic and adult) and may become one of many different tissue types.

19. Blood Cell- Only cell in the body with no nucleus or DNA.

20. Animal Cell- Eukaryotic cell containing 20. Animal Cell- Eukaryotic cell containing membrane-bound organelles without a cell wall or chloroplasts.