1. Chapter 1 Cells, Genetics, & Heredity

2. Cell membrane
A thin layer surrounding the cell that holds the cell material inside and controls what enters and leaves the cell

3. cytoplasm
A colorless, jelly-like substance that holds the cell’s organelles (tiny structures that carry out cell activities)

4. Cell wall
A stiff outer layer of a plant cell that protects the cell and gives it shape

5. mitochondria
Bean shaped organelles that release the energy stored in sugars; nicknamed the “powerhouse of the cell”

6. chloroplast
An organelle in a plant cell that contains chlorophyll which enables the plant to make it own food (through the process called photosynthesis)

7. vacuole
A space in a cell enclosed by a membrane used for storing food, water, and wastes

8. nucleus
The control center of the cell that directs all the cell’s activities

9. chromosome
A rod-like structure (found within the nucleus) that contains the information necessary to determine characteristics of the organism

10. Nuclear membrane
Surrounds the nucleus and holds it together

11. DNA
A complex chemical that contains information about every part of an organism; nicknamed “the blueprint of life”

12. genes
Segments of DNA found on the chromosomes that control specific cell activities and characteristics of every organism

13. mitosis
The process of cell division that produces new body cells with complete sets of chromosomes

14. meiosis
The process that forms reproductive cells which contain only half the number of an organism’s chromosomes

15. Sexual reproduction
The joining of a male and female reproductive cell to produce offspring

16. dominant
A factor that determines the trait that is shown in the offspring: the “stronger” factor

17. recessive
A factor that determines the trait that is shown only when paired with another recessive factor: the “weaker” factor

18. Punnett Square
A checkerboard-type diagram used to find all the possible combinations of factors in the offspring of two parents