Cell Biology Glossary

noun a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

• A chromosome is a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
• My doctor explained to me that a chromosome is like a tiny instruction manual inside our cells.
• Dude, did you know that chromosomes are like the boss of our DNA?
• In the grand scheme of genetics, a chromosome is like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly into the bigger picture.

noun a cell that is capable of developing into a new organism when fertilized in animals and plants

• Germ cells are the reproductive cells that give rise to gametes in organisms.
• Did you know germ cells are responsible for producing eggs and sperm?
• Those little germ cells are like the building blocks for making babies.
• Just like how germ cells are the foundation of new life, creativity is the germ cell of innovation.

noun A type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system by defending the body against infections and diseases.

• Leukocytes are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the body's immune system.
• White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, help fight off infections in the body.
• Leukocytes are like the body's little warriors, always ready to battle any invaders.
• Think of leukocytes as the body's defense team, constantly on guard to protect against any threats.

noun the development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a primary site of cancer

• The oncologist explained that the cancer had spread through metastasis to other organs.
• The doctor said the cancer has spread to other parts of the body through metastasis.
• The cancer has done some crazy ninja moves and spread everywhere through metastasis.
• Like a wildfire, the cancer metastasis rapidly took over different areas of the body.

noun A distinct period or stage in a process of change or development

verb None

adjective None

adverb None

pronoun None

preposition None

conjunction None

interjection None

article None

• The project is currently in the planning phase.
• We're just getting started with the first phase of the project.
• Let's kick off this next phase and get things rolling!
• Life has its phases, and we must adapt to each new one as it comes.

noun a unicellular organism

adjective describing an organism that consists of a single cell

• Unicellular organisms consist of a single cell that performs all necessary functions.
• Did you know that bacteria are unicellular?
• Those tiny organisms are just one-celled, they're unicellular!
• The artist's style is like a unicellular organism, simple yet effective.

noun a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off infections by engulfing and destroying bacteria and other pathogens

• Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the body's immune response.
• Neutrophils are like the body's first line of defense against infections.
• Neutrophils are the fighters in our blood that go after the bad guys.
• Think of neutrophils as the soldiers of the immune system, always ready to protect against invaders.

noun a chromosome that is not a sex chromosome

• An autosome is any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.
• Autosomes are the chromosomes that determine our physical characteristics.
• The autosome is like the boss chromosome that calls all the shots.
• Think of autosome as the conductor orchestrating the genetic symphony within our cells.

noun a genus of freshwater protozoans characterized by a spherical shape and radiating pseudopods

• Actinosphaerium is a genus of freshwater protozoa characterized by a spherical shape and radiating spines.
• I saw a cool video of actinosphaerium moving under a microscope.
• That actinosphaerium looks like a tiny alien spaceship!
• The actinosphaerium's spines reminded me of a sunburst in the sky.

noun a type of tissue in the body that stores fat for energy and insulation

adjective related to or containing fat

• Adipose tissue is also known as fat tissue.
• I need to cut down on my adipose tissue.
• I'm trying to lose some of this adipose.
• His adipose personality made it hard for others to connect with him.

adjective describing an organism that lacks flagella

• The aflagellar bacteria were unable to move using flagella.
• Those aflagellar microbes can't swim around like the others.
• No flagella, no movement - those aflagellar bugs are stuck in one place.
• Being aflagellar in this situation is like having your hands tied behind your back.