Biology Key Terms

Biology key terms
Topic 1.1
cell
cell theory
organism
multicellular
emergent properties
paramecium
micrograph
ompartmentalized
The cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells is divided into compartments by membranes.
Binary Fission
Cell division in prokaryotic cells, during which the single circular chromosome is
replicated and the two copies move to opposite ends of the cell before the cytoplasm is
divided. Used in asexual reproduction to produce two genetically identical daughter
cells.
Micrograph
An image of a specimen produced using a microscope.
Organelle
Distinct structures with specialized functions which are found inside eukaryotic cells.
Specialized cells
A cell that has a specific function. Its shape and structure are adapted to its function,
e.g. red blood cell.
Cell membrane
A phospholipid bilayer containing proteins and other molecules which surrounds the
cytoplasm of a cell.
Cell wall
A strong, thick layer found outside the cell membrane of some cells, which provides
support to the cell by maintaining its shape and preventing it from bursting.
Peptidoglycan
The chemical component of prokaryotic cell walls.
Nucleus
A large organelle surrounded by a double membrane, called the nuclear envelope. It
contains chromosomes and is the location of DNA replication and transcription.
Cytoplasm
A jelly-like fluid containing the cytoskeleton of the cell and many dissolved biochemicals.
Also contains organelles in eukaryotic cells.
Cytoskeleton
A network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm, which give structural
support and shape to the cell.
Ribosomes
Small structures without a membrane that are responsible for synthesizing protein. They
are found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the ER. They are smaller in prokaryotes
(70S) than eukaryotes (80S).
DNA
A macromolecule consisting of two nucleic acid strands held together by hydrogen
bonds and wound into a double helix. The nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides.
Nucleoid
One circular chromosome comprised of 'naked' DNA, found in prokaryotes.
Pili
Structures found on the outside of some prokaryotes that allow for plasmids of DNA to
be shared between cells. The primary function is to attach a bacterial cell to specific
surfaces or to other cells.
Flagellum
Whip-like structures found on the outside of some cells, used for locomotion.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
A series of flattened membrane sacs, called cisternae, which are continuous with the
nuclear envelope. Ribosomes are attached to the outside of the cisternae. The
ribosomes synthesize proteins into the interior of the RER where they are packaged into
vesicles for secretion.
Golgi Apparatus
Lysosome
Formed from vesicles, these are small spherical sacs that contain high concentrations of
digestive enzymes which can be used to break down food, organelles and even whole cells.
Mitochondria
A large organelle surrounded by a double membrane, shaped like a sphere or oval. They
produce ATP by aerobic respiration. They can also digest fat.
Chloroplast
A large organelle surrounded by a double membrane and containing flattened sacs called
thylakoids, shaped like a sphere or oval. They produce glucose by photosynthesis.
Vacuole
An organelle consisting of a single membrane with fluid inside. In plant cells these are often
large and permanent. They are usually used for storage.
Vesicle
Small vacuoles used to transport materials inside the cell.
Microtubules
Small cylindrical fibers found in the cytoplasm which have a variety of roles, including structural
support and movement of large objects, such as chromosomes or organelles.
Cilia
Whip-like structures found on the exterior surfaces of some cells which can be used for
locomotion or to create currents in the fluid next to the cell.
Centriole
Small structures found in animal cells, made of 9 triple microtubules. They form an anchor point
for microtubules during cell division.
Cellulose
The chemical component of eukaryotic plant cell walls.
Plasmid
Small circular rings of DNA found in some Prokaryotes. These carry extra genes and are
separate from the nucleoid.
Nuclear Envelope
A double membrane surrounding the nucleus. It has pores which allow some materials in and
out.
Chromosomes
Strands of DNA which are associated with histone proteins in eukaryotes.
Chromatin
Chromosomes in their uncoiled state.

Biology Key Terms

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Biology Key Terms

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Biology Key Terms

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Biology key terms

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.