Definitions - Cells

These are the current definitions that you should be studying.  Updated October 29th.

 

For organelle definitions, see our flashcards.

 

This list is now complete for this unit.

 

Cellular Respiration The process, performed by mitochondria in cells, that releases food energy.
Regeneration The ability to re-grow limbs or other body parts.
Mitosis The process of a cell duplicating itself.
Chromosomes A threadlike structure in the cell nucleus that carries genetic information (DNA).
Permeability The ability to allow something to pass through.
Selectively Permeable Allows certain things to pass through.
Permeable Allows things to pass through.
Impermeable Does not allow things to pass through.
Diffusion The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Osmosis The movement of water molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. (Diffusion of water)
Active Transport The process of cells bringing in substances that they need in high concentrations
Carrier Proteins The parts of the cell membrane that complete the act of active transport.
Equilibrium The state in which the concentrations of the diffusing substance in the two compartments are the same or become equal.
Cancer A disease where damaged cells reproduce uncontrollably.
Carcinogen Something that causes cancer.
Specialized Cell A cell, in a multicellular organism, that performs a specific job for the organism.
Tissue A grouping of specialized cells.
Organ A part of an organism, made of tissues, designed to perform a specific function.
Organ System A grouping of organs that work together to perform a specific function.