The basic unit of life. All living organisms are made of one or more.
cell
An organelle found in plant cells and some bacteria that uses sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create food for the cell through a process called photosynthesis.
Chloroplast
Often called the "powerhouse of the cell". This organelle uses cellular respiration to convert food into energy for the cell to use.
Mitochondrion
An organism, typically single-celled, whose cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Prokaryote
A thin, flexible layer that surrounds a cell and separates it from its environment. It controls what enters and leaves the cell.
Cell Membrane
The jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles.
Cytoplasm
An organism made up of more than one cell.
Multicellular
An organelle that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. In plant cells, it can be very large.
Vacuole
A fundamental concept in biology that states three main ideas: all living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and new cells are produced from existing cells.
Cell Theory
An organism whose cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This includes plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
Eukaryote
The organelle that contains the cell's genetic information (DNA) and controls the cell's activities.
Nucleus
A rigid layer outside the cell membrane that provides structural support, shape, and protection to plant, fungi, and bacteria cells. Animal cells do not have it.
Cell Wall
An organelle that breaks down and recycles waste and worn-out cell parts.
Lysosome
A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function, much like organs in a body. Examples include the nucleus and mitochondria.
organelle