Cells: Structure and function

Control centre of the cell Contains the nucleolus and the genetic material Surrounded by a nuclear membrane.

Found within the nucleus, the nucleolus is responsible for ribosome production.

Thread-like structures that contain the genetic material for living organisms. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

involved in producing protein through a process known as protein synthesis. Protein is important for forming the overall structure of an organism.

Series of canals carries materials (for example, ribosomes) throughout the cell.

Stores and packages material produced within the cell (for example, protein) until it is needed for use inside or outside the cell.

are oval-shaped organelles that convert sugar into useable energy through the process of cellular respiration.

Surrounds the entire cell. Acts as a gatekeeper, controls the movement of materials in and out of the cell.

Sac-like structures formed in the Golgi apparatus Are used for digesting (breaking down) large molecules.

Unique to animal cells. Small protein-based structures that play a critical role in cell division.

large fluid-filled space containing water and dissolved minerals, the vacuole helps maintain water pressure inside the cell.

Contains a pigment molecule known as chlorophyll that is used by plants for the life-sustaining processes of photosynthesis. A by-product of this process is oxygen, which animals use to breathe.

Surrounding the entire cell, Composed of a rigid material called cellulose. Protects and supports plant cells.

is the ability to regrow tissue, an organ, or apart of the body.

It is only made up of a few simple cells, which makes it able to regenerate most of it's body.

nails, hair, skin, and a few other tissues.

Carried out by bacteria, involves a cell splitting into two identical genetic copies.

Involves forming a small genetic copy of the organism that breaks off and develops into a full-grown genetic duplicate of the parent.

Is demonstrated by many organisms, including starfish. Part of the parent organism (for example, a limb) breaks off, then grows into a new organism genetically identical to the parent.

Often demonstrated by fungi, involves the formation of genetically identical cells encapsulated in a protective coating. Fungi usually release spores in the fall. These stay in the ground until favourable conditions for germination return in the spring, when a new mushroom will grow that is genetically identical to one that died the previous fall.

nvolves a plant sending out runners (often underground) and having a genetically identical organism grow from the end of the runner.

A cell that has had its nucleus removed.

During a embryonic transfer a donor nucleus is taken from an embryo cell. Another cell is retrieved from a second donor and is enucleated. The nucleus is then infused with the enucleated cell. The result is an egg cell from one individual that contains the exact duplicate DNA as another individual. While during a somatic nuclear transfer scientist use a somatic cell (body cell) to create an exact duplicate.

Reproduction without a mate. It produces a clone of the parent

Organism made up of more than one cell. Humans are made of 100 trillion cells.

organism consisting of only one cell (for example, an amoeba)

a type of undifferentiated (unspecialized) cell that has not yet taken on a specialized role within the organism. It can also develop into any kind of specialized cell.

a type of microscope that uses visible light and two lenses to magnify images of cell-sized objects