Science.8.13.A

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The student is expected to identify the function of the cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, ribosomes, cytoplasm, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles in plant or animal cells;
Organisms and Environments

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Organisms and environments. The student knows how cell functions support the health of an organism and how adaptation and variation relate to survival.
Glossary terms and definitions are consistent across kindergarten through high school in the TEKS Guide. The definitions are intended to give educators a common understanding of the terms regardless of what grade level they teach. Glossary definitions are not intended for use with students.

the process or product of the process by which the traits of a population change over time to better fit the environment in which the population lives

a classification of organisms whose cells are eukaryotic (have a nucleus and organelles), do not have cell walls, and which rely on consuming other organisms for food

the basic unit of life; a collection of organic matter (cytoplasm) surrounded by a membrane, containing biomolecules such as DNA and proteins, and which has the ability to metabolize and replicate itself

a semipermeable layer surrounding the cell that consists of a phospholipid bilayer with proteins in it; it controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell

the usually rigid nonliving permeable wall that surrounds the cell membrane; it encloses and supports the cells of most plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae

an organelle that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis

the gel-like, organized complex of inorganic and organic substances outside of the nuclear membrane of a cell; includes the cytosol and all the membrane-bound organelles

any of various round or long cellular organelles of most eukaryotes that are found outside the nucleus, produce energy for the cell through cellular respiration, and are made of fats, proteins, and enzymes

a cellular organelle of eukaryotes that is essential to cell functions, contains the genetic material (DNA) of the organism, and is enclosed in a definite membrane

a classification of organisms whose cells are eukaryotic (have a nucleus and organelles), have a cell wall, and which uses chlorophyll to make their own food through photosynthesis from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide

granules in the cytoplasm that are made primarily of RNA and are the sites of protein synthesis

a cavity or vesicle in the cytoplasm of a cell, usually containing fluid

Research

Grady, Katherine, and Bobby Jeanpierre. “Population 75 Trillion: Cells, Organelles, and Their Functions.” Science Scope 34, no. 6 (2011): 64–69

Summary: Within a cell are a variety of specialized structures that carry out specific functions, such as energy production, transport of molecules, waste disposal, and more.  Connections between the cell structure and its function are made using analogies.