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animal cell

Smallest living structure and constituent unit of all animals, including human beings; its size and shape vary according to function.
animal cell Cylindrical structure supporting the cell and allowing organelles and substances inside the cell to move about. Filament-like extension of the cytoplasmic membrane allowing the cell and certain substances on its surface to move about. Rod-shaped structure supporting the cell and giving it its shape. Organelle containing enzymes that neutralize the cell’s toxic substances. The cell’s flexible outer casing; it separates the cell from the surrounding environment and works as a filter to control the entry and exit of certain substances. Mass of very fine filaments of DNA, the genetic material of the cell; it is compressed into chromosomes during cell division. Organelle containing a cell’s genes and controlling its activities. Organelle, free or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, producing proteins essential to the constitution and functioning of living beings. Organelle formed of walls to which the ribosomes are attached. Ovoid organelle that produces the energy necessary for cell activity. Clear gelatinous substance surrounding the various cellular structures. Spherical cavity containing water, waste and various substances required by the cell. Small spheroid organ containing enzymes that break down food, spent cell components and other harmful substances that have been absorbed. Envelope formed of two layers surrounding the nucleus and pierced with small holes, which allow exchanges between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Small spherical body located inside the nucleus, within which the ribosomes, or protein-synthesizing structures, are produced. Structure consisting of small rods that play a major role in cell division. Each cell usually contains two. Organelle composed of a series of pockets that receive proteins produced by the ribosomes and either transport them outside the cell or to other organelles.

See Also


plant cell

rod

cone

chain of neurons

spermatozoon

egg

microtubule

Cylindrical structure supporting the cell and allowing organelles and substances inside the cell to move about.

cilium

Filament-like extension of the cytoplasmic membrane allowing the cell and certain substances on its surface to move about.

microfilament

Rod-shaped structure supporting the cell and giving it its shape.

peroxisome

Organelle containing enzymes that neutralize the cell’s toxic substances.

cell membrane

The cell’s flexible outer casing; it separates the cell from the surrounding environment and works as a filter to control the entry and exit of certain substances.

chromatin

Mass of very fine filaments of DNA, the genetic material of the cell; it is compressed into chromosomes during cell division.

nucleus

Organelle containing a cell’s genes and controlling its activities.

ribosome

Organelle, free or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, producing proteins essential to the constitution and functioning of living beings.

endoplasmic reticulum

Organelle formed of walls to which the ribosomes are attached.

mitochondrion

Ovoid organelle that produces the energy necessary for cell activity.

cytoplasm

Clear gelatinous substance surrounding the various cellular structures.

vacuole

Spherical cavity containing water, waste and various substances required by the cell.

lysosome

Small spheroid organ containing enzymes that break down food, spent cell components and other harmful substances that have been absorbed.

nuclear envelope

Envelope formed of two layers surrounding the nucleus and pierced with small holes, which allow exchanges between the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

nucleolus

Small spherical body located inside the nucleus, within which the ribosomes, or protein-synthesizing structures, are produced.

centriole

Structure consisting of small rods that play a major role in cell division. Each cell usually contains two.

Golgi apparatus

Organelle composed of a series of pockets that receive proteins produced by the ribosomes and either transport them outside the cell or to other organelles.