Cell Structure and Function: Study Guide & Diagrams

age 1 of 6




Cell Structure and Function

Cell ......ANSWER........Basic unit of life


nucleus ......ANSWER........A large membrane-enclosed structure

that contains the cell's genetic material in the form of DNA in

eukaryotes. It is the control center of the cell and dictates what

all of the other organelles do.


Eukaryote ......ANSWER........An organism with a cell that contains

a nucleus in which its genetic material is separated from the rest

of the cell.


Prokaryote ......ANSWER........An organism with a cell that has

genetic material that is not contained in a nucleus.

, age 2 of 6




Organelles ......ANSWER........Cell structures that have a specific

function and are surrounded by a membrane and are found in

eukaryotes. It literally means, "little organs".


Cell wall ......ANSWER........Surrounds the cell and gives support

and protection, made of cellulose, a non-living material.


Plasma (cell) membrane ......ANSWER........Double membrane

structure that regulates what comes in and out of the cell.


Nucleolus ......ANSWER........Dark spherical body found in the

nucleus; makes the ribosomes; is rich in RNA and plays a role in

protein synthesis.


Cytoplasm ......ANSWER........A jelly-like material that surrounds

the cell organelles.