Cells & Microorganisms Unit Vocabulary Terms

Fungi – This type of microorganism rots wood, spoils food, and causes diseases such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and allergies.

Bacteria – This type of microorganisms is shaped like rods, spirals, or balls and causes diseases such as strep throat, pneumonia, Salmonella food poisoning, and tuberculosis (TB). This type of microorganism transforms milk into yogurt.

Viruses – This type of microorganism is the smallest and the one that causes most infectious diseases such as colds, chicken pox, influenza (flu), measles, mumps, polio, and rabies.

Cell – This is the basic unit of structure and function in all living things.

Cell Wall – This structure supports and protects a plant cell.

Cell Membrane – This structure holds the cell together and controls what comes in or goes out.

Mold – This type of fungi is used to make penicillin.

Cytoplasm – This is a jellylike substance containing chemicals that help a cell stay healthy.

Chloroplast – This organelle makes food for plant cells.

Mitochondria – This organelle provides energy for the cell.

Microorganism – This is a living thing that is too small to be seen without a microscope.

Nucleus – The organelle in a cell that controls all the cells functions.

Single-celled Organism – A living thing that consists of only 1 cell.

Multicellular Organism – A living thing that consists of more than one cell.

Tissue – This is a group of cells that work together to perform a certain function.

Organ – This is a group of tissues that work together to perform a certain function.

Organelle – Structures within a cell that each perform specific functions.

Organ System – This is a group of organs that work together to do a job for the body.

Vacuole – The storage area in both a plant and animal cell.

Plant Cell – This is a cell that has a cell wall and chloroplast which makes food for the cell.

Animal Cell – This is a cell that does not have a cell wall or chloroplast.