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Cause and Effect — From Cells to Microbes
The chain of ideas
Lenses and microscopes let us see the cell, the basic unit of life. Cells build up tissues, organs, and whole organisms. Some living things are made of one or a few cells and are called microorganisms. These microbes are everywhere, and they help us by making manure, fermenting food, fixing nitrogen, and giving oxygen.
Mind Map
THE INVISIBLE LIVING WORLD
Cells & Microorganisms
2.1
What Is a Cell?
Membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus; plants add a cell wall.
2.1.1
Variation in Cells
A cell's shape suits its function.
2.2
Levels of Organisation
Cell to tissue to organ to system to organism.
2.3
Microorganisms
Tiny microbes seen only with a microscope.
2.4
Connected to Microbes
Microbes clean waste, make food, and help plants.
2.5
Cell as Basic Unit
Unicellular and multicellular life; bacteria have a nucleoid.
Key Terms and Definitions
- Lens
- A curved piece of glass that makes small things look bigger.
- Microscope
- A device that magnifies tiny things so we can see them.
- Foldscope
- A low-cost, foldable paper microscope.
- Cell
- The basic unit of life that makes up every living being.
- Cell Membrane
- The porous outer lining that controls what enters and leaves a cell.
- Cytoplasm
- The region between the membrane and nucleus where most life processes happen.
- Nucleus
- The round structure that controls the cell's activities and growth.
- Cell Wall
- An extra outer layer in plant cells that gives strength.
- Chloroplast
- A green plastid with chlorophyll that helps in photosynthesis.
- Tissue
- A group of similar cells that work together.
- Organism
- Any living being, such as a plant or an animal.
- Multicellular Organism
- A living being made of many cells.
- Unicellular Organism
- A living being made of a single cell.
- Microorganism
- A tiny living being, of one or a few cells, unseen by the naked eye.
- Nucleoid
- The genetic region in a bacterial cell, which has no true nucleus.
- Manure
- Nutrient-rich material made when microbes break down waste.
- Fermentation
- The breakdown of sugars by microbes, as in making curd.
- Microalgae
- Microscopic plant-like organisms that make food and release oxygen.
