Cell Biology Terminology

noun a small rounded mass of cells

• The bleb on the surface of the cell was carefully examined under the microscope.
• I noticed a tiny bleb on the edge of the balloon.
• That bleb on your shirt looks like a stain.
• The artist added a bleb of color to the painting to create contrast.

adjective describing something as having or being covered in blebs or small blisters

noun Cilia are small, hair-like structures found on the surface of cells in the human body. They are involved in various functions such as movement and sensing the environment.

• The cilia lining the respiratory tract help to sweep mucus and debris out of the lungs.
• I heard that smoking can damage the cilia in your lungs.
• I can't believe how long her cilia are, they look like spider legs!
• The cilia of society are constantly working to filter out negativity and promote positivity.

noun a protozoan or other organism with cilia

adjective having minute hairs or cilia

• The ciliate cells in the organism have tiny hair-like structures called cilia.
• I learned about ciliate organisms in my biology class.
• Check out that cool ciliate under the microscope!
• His argument was as intricate as a ciliate organism.

noun the branch of biology concerned with the structure and function of plant and animal cells

• Cytology is the study of cells, their structure, function, and chemistry.
• I have a test on cytology next week, so I better start studying.
• Cytology is all about those tiny cell things.
• In the grand scheme of biology, cytology is like looking at the building blocks of life.

noun a long, whiplike appendage that is used by many microscopic organisms for movement

• The flagellum is a whip-like structure used by some single-celled organisms for movement.
• The little creature swam around using its flagellum like a tiny oar.
• That microorganism was zooming around with its flagellum like a boss.
• His flagellum-like tongue lashed out in anger as he shouted at the referee.

adverb Irregularly is an adverb that describes the manner in which something is done or happens in an irregular or inconsistent manner.

• The data points are distributed irregularly across the graph.
• She only goes to the gym irregularly, so she hasn't seen much progress.
• I've been eating irregularly lately, mostly just snacking throughout the day.
• His thoughts were swirling irregularly in his mind, making it hard to focus.

noun a group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, including fats, oils, waxes, and steroids

• Lipids are a diverse group of molecules that include fats, oils, and other substances.
• I try to avoid foods high in lipids because they are not good for my health.
• I need to cut back on the greasy stuff, too many lipids are not good for you.
• His words were like lipids, smoothly coating over any rough edges in the conversation.

noun The central and most important part of an object, movement, or group.

• The nucleus is the central part of a cell that contains genetic material.
• The nucleus is like the brain of the cell.
• The nucleus is where all the cell's DNA is stored.
• In a company, the CEO is like the nucleus that holds everything together.

noun the action of reproducing or increasing in number

• The proliferation of nuclear weapons poses a significant threat to global security.
• The rapid proliferation of fast food restaurants in the area is causing concern among health experts.
• The proliferation of fake news on social media is getting out of hand.
• The proliferation of ideas in the creative industry is fueling innovation and pushing boundaries.

noun a duplicate or copy of something

• The scientist conducted a replication study to verify the results of the original experiment.
• They did the experiment again to make sure it wasn't a fluke.
• They ran the test a second time just to double-check.
• The artist's replication of the famous painting was so accurate, it was hard to tell them apart.

adjective relating to or involved in secretion, especially of a fluid

• The secretory cells in the pancreas release enzymes to aid in digestion.
• The secretory stuff in the body is responsible for a lot of things.
• I heard she's got some secretory skills when it comes to baking.
• His secretory nature always keeps people guessing about his true intentions.

noun a small bladder-like cell or cavity

• The cell transported molecules in a vesicle to the Golgi apparatus for processing.
• The cell carried stuff in a vesicle to the Golgi for processing.
• The cell hauled things in a vesicle to the Golgi for some work.
• Her emotions were like a vesicle, carrying memories to be processed in her mind.

adjective relating to or characteristic of prokaryotes, which are single-celled organisms that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus

• Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
• Prokaryotic cells are the simple ones without a nucleus.
• Prokaryotic cells are like the basic building blocks of life.
• In the world of cells, prokaryotic organisms are the pioneers, keeping it simple yet efficient.

noun a process by which a cell transports secretory products through vesicles that fuse with the cell membrane and release their contents outside the cell

• Exocytosis is a cellular process in which vesicles release their contents outside the cell.
• Exocytosis is like when cells spit out stuff.
• Cells do exocytosis to get rid of their junk.
• Exocytosis is like a cell throwing out its trash.

noun a temporary protrusion of the surface of an amoeboid cell for movement and feeding

• The amoeba extends its pseudopodium to capture food particles.
• The amoeba uses its pseudopodium to grab onto things.
• Check out how the amoeba sticks out its pseudopodium to catch its prey.
• She extended her pseudopodium, reaching out to help those in need.

noun a microscopic, hair-like structure found on the surface of cells, used for movement or sensing the environment

• The cilium is a hair-like organelle found on the surface of many cells.
• I learned in biology class that the cilium helps with cell movement.
• My friend's hair looks like a cilium sticking out of his head.
• Her eyelashes fluttered like cilia in the wind.

noun a living cell that has had its cell wall removed, typically used in genetic manipulation and cell fusion experiments

• The scientist isolated protoplasts from plant cells for further study.
• I heard they were experimenting with protoplasts in the lab.
• The protoplasts were like the cool kids of the cell world.
• His ideas were like protoplasts, new and unformed but full of potential.

adjective a term used in biology to describe a cell or organism that lacks a centromere

• The acentrous cell lacked a centrosome, making it difficult to organize its microtubules.
• The cell without a centrosome is called acentrous.
• That cell is acentrous, it's missing something important for division.
• Her acentrous personality lacked a central focus, making it hard to understand her motivations.

noun a compound used in histology to stain chromosomes

adjective describing the compound aceto-orcein

• Aceto-orcein is a staining solution commonly used in histology to visualize chromosomes.
• I accidentally spilled some aceto-orcein on my lab coat while staining slides.
• I hate working with aceto-orcein, it always stains everything!
• The aceto-orcein seemed to bring out the hidden details of the cells, like a magical dye.

noun a person who is unable to see colors

adjective relating to or characterized by the inability to see colors

• The scientist studied the achromatophil cells under the microscope.
• I heard that achromatophil cells have a unique appearance.
• Those achromatophil cells look pretty cool, don't they?
• Her personality was like an achromatophil canvas, devoid of any vibrant emotions.

adjective Actiniferous is an adjective that describes something that has or bears rays or spines.

• The actiniferous cells in the plant are responsible for photosynthesis.
• I heard that the actiniferous part of the plant is where all the action happens.
• Check out those actiniferous cells, they're lit!
• Her mind was like an actiniferous garden, full of vibrant ideas and creativity.

noun a type of radiating structure found in certain organisms, such as radiolaria and actinomycetes

• The actinomere is a specialized structure found in certain bacteria.
• I read about actinomeres in my biology textbook.
• Have you seen the actinomeres under the microscope? They look so cool!
• The actinomere of teamwork is the collaboration and coordination among team members.

noun a specialized part of a cell, especially a protozoan, that is responsible for feeding and ingestion

• The actinosome is a specialized structure found in certain marine organisms.
• I learned in biology class that the actinosome helps certain sea creatures catch their prey.
• Check out the cool actinosome on that jellyfish!
• His creativity was like an actinosome, reaching out in all directions to gather inspiration.

noun a cell that adheres or sticks to surfaces

adjective describing the type of cell that is adhesive

• The adhesive cell of the organism helps it to attach to surfaces and move efficiently.
• That sticky cell is what keeps the organism stuck in place.
• The critter's gluey cell is what makes it stick like crazy.
• Her friendship was like an adhesive cell, always keeping us connected no matter what.

noun a cell specialized for the storage of fat, found in connective tissue

• Adipocytes are specialized cells that store fat in the body.
• Those adipocytes are responsible for storing all the fat.
• I heard that too many adipocytes can make you look chubby.
• Her adipocytes seemed to expand every time she indulged in sweets.

adjective relating to or promoting the formation of fat cells

• The adipogenic potential of a certain compound was studied in the laboratory.
• They were testing how fat cells respond to the adipogenic substance.
• The new product is supposed to make you skinny by blocking the adipogenic effects.
• Her love for junk food was like an adipogenic force, expanding her waistline.

noun a type of cell found in adipose tissue that contains both white and brown fat characteristics

• Adipoleucocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a role in immune response.
• I heard that adipoleucocytes are important for fighting off infections.
• Those adipoleucocytes are like the body's little soldiers, always ready to defend against germs.
• Think of adipoleucocytes as the body's security guards, always on high alert to protect against invaders.

noun a type of cell that is found in the adventitia, which is the outermost layer of an organ or blood vessel

• The adventitial cell is a type of connective tissue cell found in the outermost layer of blood vessels.
• I heard that adventitial cells play a role in maintaining the structure of blood vessels.
• Those adventitial cells are like the bodyguards of blood vessels, keeping them strong and healthy.
• Just like how adventitial cells protect blood vessels, we should surround ourselves with people who support and protect us in life.

noun aesthacyte - a fictional term that does not have a specific definition in standard dictionaries

• The aesthacyte is a specialized cell responsible for detecting and responding to changes in light intensity.
• I heard that aesthacytes are like the eyes of the cell, pretty cool, right?
• Yo, those aesthacytes are like the cell's own little spies, always on the lookout.
• Just like aesthacytes sense light, we need to be aware of the changes happening around us.