Cells: The Basic Units Of Life

Front 1

Cell

Back 1

The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic and consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane. Microscopic organisms typically consist of a single cell, which is either eukaryotic or prokaryotic.

Front 2

Cell Membrane

Back 2

The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.

Front 3

Organelle

Back 3

Any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell.

Front 4

Nucleus

Back 4

A dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material.

Front 5

Prokaryote

Back 5

A microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles. Prokaryotes include the bacteria and cyanobacteria.

Front 6

Eukaryote

Back 6

A eukaryote is any organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes. Eukaryotes belong to the taxon Eukarya or Eukaryota.

Front 7

Cell Wall

Back 7

A rigid layer of polysaccharides lying outside the plasma membrane of the cells of plants, fungi, and bacteria. In the algae and higher plants, it consists mainly of cellulose.

Front 8

Ribosome

Back 8

A minute particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins, found in large numbers in the cytoplasm of living cells. They bind messenger RNA and transfer RNA to synthesize polypeptides and proteins.

Front 9

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Back 9

A network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, continuous with the nuclear membrane. It usually has ribosomes attached and is involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Front 10

Mitochondrion

Back 10

The powerhouses of the cell. They are organelles that act like a digestive system which takes in nutrients, breaks them down, and creates energy rich molecules for the cell. The biochemical processes of the cell are known as cellular respiration.