Biology- Cell NCEA Level 2
Cytoplasm
A jelly like substance that fills the cell from the cell membrane to the nucleus, it is the site of many cellular reactions.
Endocytosis
A method of engulfing large molecules into the cell. The cell membrane surrounds he particle and draws it into the cell in a vesicle.
Nucleus
Contains and protects DNA. It is known as the cells control centre.
Nuclear Membrane
Double membrane with pore to allow large particles in and out of the nucleus.
Rough ER
ER with ribosomes attached. The ER is a network of tubes that run from the nucleus to the cell membrane. Rough ER are commonly found in cells that produce large amounts of protein for export.
Exocytosis
Exports large molecules out of the cell when a vesicle fuses with the cell membrane releasing its contents outside the of the cell.
Golgi body
Five flattened stack of membrane that modify to store and route products to their next destination.
Ribosomes
Found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These are involved in the making of proteins. They can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Vacuoles
Found in the cytoplasm, these are involved in transport.
Isotonic Solution
A concentration that is the same as that that found inside the cell. No net movement of water occurs in this situation.
Photosynthesis
A process in which light energy is converted to chemical energy. The reactants are water and carbon dioxide and the products are glucose and oxygen.
Hypertonic Solution
A strongly concentated solution. A cell in this solution would lose water by osmosis.
Hypotonic Solution
A weak solution. A cell in this solution would gain water by osmosis.
Golgi apparatus
Alternative name for Golgi body.
Plasma Membrane
Another word for cell membrane.
Respiration (equation)
C6H12O6 + 6O2 --> 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
Flagella
Long whip like projections that extend from the cell membrane. These enable unicellular organisms to move when flicked.
Lysosomes
Membrane bound sacs that contain digestive enzymes. These enzymes breakdown molecules and recycle cell parts.
Cytoskeleton
Microtubules and microfilaments that are found throughout the the cytoplasm, these give the cell support and maintain the shape of the cell.
Active Transport
Molecules move from a high concentration gradient to a low concentration gradient against the concentration gradient.
Facilitated Transportation
Molecules move from a high concentration to a low concentration with the help of transport proteins embedded in the cell membrane. Does not require energy.
Diffusion
Molecules move from a high to low concentration gradient. It is slow but does not require energy.
Mitochondria
Oval shaped organelle with highly folded inner membrane. This is the site of aerobic respiration in the cell where most ATP is produced.
Organelle
Part of a cell with a specific function.
Osmosis
Passive movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.
Chloroplast
Photosynthetic organelles that trap sunlight energy and convert it into glucose. They contain grana and stroma.
Lactic Acid Fermentation
Produces 2 ATP molecules. Occurs in animal muscle when exercising at a high level.
Respiration
The breakdown of glucose to form ATP when oxygen is available.
Selectively permeable
The cell membrane allows some molecules through and not others.
Eukaryote Cells
These cells have a true nucleus and membrane bound organelles.
Cilia
Tiny hair like projections that extend out of the cell membrane. These cili beat in unison to remove particles from our airways.