in biology, the smallest unit that can perform all life processes; cells are covered by a membrane and contain DNA and cytoplasm
the theory that states that all living things are made up of one or more cells, that cells are the basic units of organisms, that each cell in a multicellular organism has a specific job, and that cells come only from existing cells
the cell's outer boundary
the region of the cell within the membrane that includes the fluid, the cytoskeleton, and all of the organelles except the nucleus
the soluble portion of the cytoplasm, which includes molecules and small particles, such as ribosomes, but not the organelles covered with membranes
a membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA and that has a role in processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction
a single-celled organism that has no nucleus and has no membrane-bound organelles
an organism made up of cells that have a nucleus enclosed by a membrane,multiple chromosomes, and a mitotic cycle
one of the small bodies that are found in the cytoplasm of a cell and that are specialized to perform a special function
a collection of specialized cells and cell products that perform a specific function
a collection of tissues that carry out a specialized function of a body
a cell organelle that contains dgiestive enzymes and that buds from the Golgi apparatus
a double layer of phospholipids that makes up plasma and organelles
one of the structures in the nucleus that are made up of DNA and protein
the double membrane that surrounds the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell
the part of the eukaryotic nucleus where ribosomal RNA is synthesized
a cell organelle composed of RNA and protein
the cell organelle that is surrounded by two membranes and that is the site of cellular respiration, which produces ATP
a system of membranes that is found in a cell's cytoplasm and that assists in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and in the production of lipids
a cell organelle that helps make and package materials to be transported out of the cells
the cytoplasmic network of protein filaments and tubes that plays an essential role in cell movement, shape, and division
one of the small, tubular fibers composed of the protein tubulin that are fond in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, that compose the cytoskeleton, and that play a role in cell structure and movement
a fiber found inside eukaryotic cells that is composed mainly of the protein actin and that has a role in cell structure and movement
a hairlike structure arranged in tightly packed rows that projects from the surface of some cells
a long, hairlike structure that grows out of a cell and enables the cell to move
an organelle that is composed of two short microtubules at right angles to each other and that has an active role in mitosis
a rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane and provides support to the cell
in some protists and in most plant cells, a large, fluid-filled organelle that stores water, enzymes, metabolic wastes, and other materials
an organelle of plant cells that contains specific substances and performs specific functions for the cell
an organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs
a membrane system found within chloroplasts that contains the components for photosynthesis
a green pigment that is present in most plant cells, that gives plants their characteristic green color, and that reacts with sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to form carbohyrates
About This Chapter
The Cell Structure and Function chapter of this Holt McDougal Modern Biology textbook companion course helps students learn essential modern biology lessons on cell structure and function. Each of these simple and fun video lessons is about five minutes long and is sequenced to align with the Cell Structure and Function textbook chapter.
How it works:
- Identify the lessons in the Holt McDougal Modern Biology Cell Structure and Function chapter with which you need help.
- Find the corresponding video lessons within this companion course chapter.
- Watch fun videos that cover the cell structure and function topics you need to learn or review.
- Complete the quizzes to test your understanding.
- If you need additional help, rewatch the videos until you've mastered the material or submit a question for one of our instructors.
Students will learn:
- The cell theory
- Similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
- Properties of the phospholipid bilayer
- The fluid-mosaic model of the cell membrane
- Structures of the nucleus
- Structures of the mitochondria
- Structure and function of ribosomes
- Functions and components of the endomembrane system
- Structure of the cytoskeleton
- Structure of chloroplasts
- Plant cell structures
Holt McDougal Modern Biology is a registered trademark of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, which is not affiliated with Study.com.
Test your knowledge with a 30-question chapter practice test
1. Understanding Cell Biology: History & Theories
The study of cells is one of the fields most crucial to understanding biology, even though it is a relatively new field. Here we will go through a brief history of cell biology and examine its key theories.
2. What are Cells? - Overview
Cells are present in all living organisms. Find out an overview of cells, the cell theory, and the structure of these basic units, and their two categories.
3. Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells: Similarities and Differences
Eukaryotes are cells that have a nucleus and other organelles while prokaryotes are cells that do not have any organelles. Explore the many other similarities and differences between these two cell types and discover their purposes.
4. How a Phospholipid Bilayer Is Both Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic
The phospholipid bilayer surrounds the entire cell and is a very important part of the cell membrane. Discover how this layer's ability to be hydrophilic and hydrophobic is essential for the survival of a cell.
5. The Fluid Mosaic Model of the Cell Membrane
The Fluid Mosaic Model states that the cell membrane is dynamic and fluid-like. Learn why this model is the best representation of the cell membrane and the roles of the key players - the phospholipd bilayer, cholesterol, proteins, and carbonhydrates.
6. Structure of the Nucleus: Nucleolus, Nuclear Membrane, and Nuclear Pores
The nucleus is a very important structure in the cell. It contains all the genetic material of a cell. Explore the structure of the nucleolus, nuclear membrane, nuclear pores, and all the important components of this very special cellular structure.
7. Mitochondria Structure: Cristae, Matrix and Inner & Outer Membrane
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. They create energy using cellular respiration. Discover the innerworkings of these mighty structures that convert consumed food into chemical energy in this lesson.
8. The Ribosome: Structure, Function and Location
The ribosome is the cellular structure responsible for protein synthesis, the process that creates new protein molecules. Examine the importance of the ribosome's structure, function, and location in this lesson.
9. The Endomembrane System: Functions & Components
The endomembrane system is a system of membranous components that work together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins. Explore the endomembrane system and discover the functions of its components, including smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
10. The Cytoskeleton: Microtubules and Microfilaments
The cytoskeleton is a network of thin fibers that form the skeleton of a cell and help it to do a wide array of activities. Learn how microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments of the cytoskeleton help the cell do many things, including movement and stabilization.
11. Chloroplast Structure: Chlorophyll, Stroma, Thylakoid, and Grana
Photosynthesis occurs inside plant cells in tiny structures called chloroplasts. Learn about chloroplast structure and some of its important components including chlorophyll, the stroma, thylakoids, and grana.
12. Plant Cell Structures: The Cell Wall and Central Vacuole
There are many different structures in a plant cell, like chloroplasts, for example, which help turn light energy into food. Explore the two other most important structures - the cell wall and the central vacuole - in a plant cell.
Test your knowledge of this chapter with a 30 question practice chapter exam.
Test your knowledge of the entire course with a 50 question practice final exam.
There are even more practice exams available in Holt McDougal Modern Biology Chapter 4: Cell Structure and Function.
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