CELL NOTES

the basic unit of structure and function in an organism *its shape and size contribute to its function

used a microscope to discover cells

tool used to magnify or enlarge small things

• All organisms are made up of one or more cells. • Cells are the basic units of structure and function in all living things • All cells come from cells that already exist.

a tiny structure in the cell that performs a function

directs all cell activities (similar to the brain of the cell)

makes ribosomes

contains DNA (genetic material that are the instructions for the cell) DNA= deoxyribonucleic acid

surrounds the nucleus

selectively permeable membrane meaning it only lets specific materials move in and out of the cell

gel-like material inside the cell - cytosol is part of the cytoplasm

moves material around in the cell ex: like a highway

make proteins and translate messages

the packaging organelle

powerhouse of the cell because it breaks down food molecules and releases energy *does cellular respiration

storage area in the cell

digest wastes and worn-out cell parts, “cleans” the cell

contain a chemical called chlorophyll (absorbs the sun’s energy & makes the plant green) and allows the plant to make food for itself (like solar panels) *does photosynthesis *only in plants

outer boundary of plant cell, rigid & tough, provides support and shape -made of cellulose *only in plants

Cells that do not have a nucleus, usually unicellular

Cells contain a nucleus and other organelles