Cells official content key terms

Organelle

A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function, often enclosed within its own membrane.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within the cell membrane that contains organelles, cytoskeleton, and various molecules.

Organelle

A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function.

Plasma Membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant cells that is responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Cell wall

A rigid outer layer found in plant and fungal cells that provides structural support and protection.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within the cell membrane that contains organelles and is the site of many metabolic processes.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and regulates gene expression.

Capsule

A protective layer surrounding some prokaryotic cells, aiding in evasion of the immune response and desiccation.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer that forms the structural component of the bacterial cell wall, providing rigidity and shape.

Nucleoid

The region within a prokaryotic cell where the circular DNA is located, not enclosed by a membrane.

Plasmid

A small, circular piece of DNA found in prokaryotic cells that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

Viral genome

The genetic material of a virus, which can be either DNA or RNA, and carries the information necessary for viral replication.

Capsid

The protein shell that surrounds and protects the viral genome, composed of protein subunits called capsomers.

Prokaryotic cell

A unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, typically characterized by a simple structure.

Virus

An acellular infectious agent composed of genetic material encased in a protein coat, requiring a host cell for replication.

Magnification

The process of enlarging the appearance of an object, expressed as a ratio of the size of the image to the actual size.

Resolution

The ability of a microscope to distinguish two close points as separate entities, crucial for observing fine details in cellular structures.

Magnification

The process of enlarging the appearance of an object, which is crucial in microscopy to observe small structures.

Ultrastructure

The detailed structure of a biological specimen, such as cells and organelles, as observed at the electron microscope level.

Centrifugation

A process that uses centrifugal force to separate components of different densities in a mixture.

Sedimentation

The process by which particles settle to the bottom of a liquid under the influence of gravity or centrifugal force.

Image size

The size of the image produced by a microscope, typically measured in millimeters or centimeters.

Actual size

The real size of the specimen being observed, usually measured in micrometers or millimeters.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, essential for growth and repair.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and protein that carries genetic information; visible during cell division.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication, consisting of interphase and the mitotic phase.

Prokaryotic Cell

A unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, such as bacteria.

Daughter Cells

The two new cells that result from the division of a single parent cell during binary fission.