answers
Cells - answer The basic unit from which a living organism is made; consists of an aqueous
solution of organic molecules enclosed by a membrane.
Cell Biology - answer The study of cells and their structure, function and behavior.
Cilium (cilia) - answer Hairlike structure made of microtubules found on the surface of
many eukaryotic cells; when present in large numbers, its rhythmic beating can drive the
movement of fluid over the cell surface, as in the epithelium of lungs.
DNA - answer Double-stranded polynucleotide formed from two separate chains of
covalently linked deoxyribonucleotide units. It serves as the cell's store of genetic information
that is transmitted from generation to generation.
RNA - answer Molecule produced by the transcription DNA; usually single-stranded , it is a
polynucleotide composed of covalently linked ribonucleotide subunits. Serves a variety of
structural, catalytic and regulatory functions as well.
Protein - answer Polymer built from amino acids that provides cells with their shape and
structure and performs most of their activities.
Central Dogma - answer Th principle that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to
protein.
Amino Acids - answer Small organic molecule containing both an amino group and a
carboxylic group; it serves as the building block of proteins.
,Conformation - answer Precise, three-dimensional shape of a protein or other
macromolecule, based on the spatial location of its atoms in relation to one another.
Mutations - answer A randomly produced, permanent change in the nucleotide sequence
of DNA.
Evolution - answer Process of gradual modification and adaptation that occurs in living
organisms over generations.
Genome - answer The total genetic information carried by all the chromosomes of a cell
or organism.
Microscope - answer Instrument for viewing extremely small objects.
Light Microscope - answer Uses a focused beam of visible light and is used to examine
cells and organelles.
Electron Microscope - answer Instrument that illuminates a specimen using beams of
electrons to reveal and magnify the structures of very small objects, such as organelles and
large molecules.
Cell Theory - answer All living cells are formed by the growth and division of existing cells.
Extracellular Matrix - answer Complex network of polysaccharides and proteins secreted
by cells. A structural component of tissues that also influences their development and
physiology.
,Nucleus - answer The prominent, rounded structure that contains the DNA of a eukaryotic
cell.
Cytoplasm - answer Contents of a cell that are contained within its plasma membrane
but, in the case of eukaryotic cells, contained outside the nucleus.
Fluorescence Microscopes - answer Instrument used to visualize a specimen that has
been labeled with a fluorescent dye; samples are illuminated with a wavelength of light that
excites the dye, causing it to fluoresce.
Ribosome - answer Large macromolecular complex, composed of ribosomal RNAs and
ribosomal proteins, that translates messenger RNA into protein.
Fixed - answer When tissue is preserved by pickling in a reactive chemical solution.
Organelles - answer A discrete structure or subcompartment of a eukaryotic cell that is
specialized to carry out a particular function.
Plasma Membrane - answer The protein -containing lipid bilayer that surrounds a living
cell.
Internal Membranes - answer The membranes surrounding organelles.
Eukaryotes - answer An organism whose cells have a distinct nucleus and cytoplasm.
Prokaryotes - answer Major category of living cells distinguished by the absence of a
nucleus. Include archaea and bacteria.
, Bacteria - answer One of the two divisions of prokaryotes; some species cause disease.
The term is sometimes used to refer to any prokaryotic microorganism, although the world of
prokaryotes also includes archaea, which are only distantly related.
Archaea - answer One of the two divisions of prokaryotes, often found in hostile
environments such as hot springs or concentrated brine.
Mitochondria - answer Membrane-enclosed organelle, about the size of a bacterium, that
carries out oxidative phosphorylation and produces most of the ATP in eukaryotic cells.
Photosynthesis - answer The process by which plants, algae and some bacteria use the
energy of sunlight to drive the synthesis of organic molecules form carbon dioxide and water.
Chloroplasts - answer Specialized organelle in algae and plants that contains chlorophyll
and serves as the site in which photosynthesis takes place.
Nuclear Envelope - answer Double membrane surrounding the nucleus. Consists of outer
and inner membranes, perforated by nuclear pores.
Chromosomes - answer Long, threadlike structure composed of DNA and proteins that
carries the genetic information of an organism; becomes visible as a distinct entity when a plant
or animal cell prepares to divide.
ATP - answer Molecule that serves as the principle carrier of energy in cells; this
nucleoside triphosphate is composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphates.
Symbiosis - answer Intimate association between two organisms of different species from
which both derive a long-term selective advantage.