Cells and Microorganisms

Cells and Microorganisms Vocabulary By: Maria Cody

Bacteria • A certain type of microorganism.

cell • The basic unit of structure and function in living things

Cell membrane • A thin covering that holds the parts of a cell together.

Cell wall • a thick layer that surrounds the plant cell. The part of a plant cell that gives the cell its shape.

Chloroplasts • Organelles that make food in the plant cell

cytoplasm • The jelly-like substance that contains many chemicals to keep the cell functioning

microorganism • An organism that is too small to be seen with the unaided eye

mitochondria • Releases energy from food. The powerhouse of the cell

mold • A fungus that grows on old food and damp surfaces

nucleus • An organelle that determines all of a cell’s activities and the production of new cells

organ • A group of tissues that work together to perform a certain function

Organ system • A group of organs that work together to do a job for the body

organelles • Small structures inside a cell that have particular functions within that cell

organism • A living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently.

protist • A single-celled or multi-celled organism that shares traits with plants or animals

Tissue • A group of cells that work together to perform a certain function