Cell Biology: Basic Concepts with Basic English. Learn English for School and for University (B1-B2 level).

Cell Biology: Basic Concepts with Basic English. Learn English for School and for University (B1-B2 level).

Greetings and welcome to Learn2Learn, my dear language learning enthusiasts! With this blog, we will explore fun and effective ways to study languages together. I am on a journey to master 11 languages before I turn 35, and as you may have read in my introductory posts, I am still exploring and discovering the most effective methods for language learning.

That being said, the purpose of learning a language is to use it for practical purposes, and one of my passions during college, while majoring in environmental engineering, was studying various biology subjects. Among them, cell biology stood out as my favorite. It was fascinating to learn about the complex and efficient mechanisms of cells and how they comprise living organisms on our planet.

To ensure that I remember the basic concepts of cell biology, I will be compiling simple texts in English with straightforward vocabulary that explain the fundamentals of cellular biology. This will serve as a useful resource for anyone looking to learn basic biology vocabulary in English, particularly those in intermediate level English for school or university.

As many of you guys might already know, the main components of a cell are the following:

- Cell membrane;

- Nucleus;

- Cytoplasm;

- Mitochondria;

- Ribosomes;

- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER);

- Golgi apparatus;

- Lysosomes;

- Cytoskeleton;

- Vacuoles.

That seems like a lot of information to talk about here, I completly get it, but we will break those concepts down one by one. First join me as we explore the Cell Membrane together using straightforward and easy-to-understand English. We'll delve into the basics of this important biological structure and learn about its crucial functions. 

The cell membrane

The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer that surrounds the cell. It is made up of a double layer of lipids, which are fatty molecules. The lipids create a barrier around the cell, controlling what can enter and leave. The membrane has small channels and pores that allow some molecules to pass through, but others are blocked. The cell membrane also contains proteins that act as gatekeepers, allowing specific molecules to enter or leave the cell. The cell membrane is essential for the survival of the cell because it protects it from harmful substances and helps it maintain its internal environment.

Hey there! What did you think of the text? Did you find it a bit tricky to understand? No worries if you did! Even though I've been learning English for quite some time, I still remember how tough it can be to get started. But hey, don't let that discourage you! Learning a new language can be loads of fun, and I'm here to help make it easier for you. So, to give you a hand:

here's a simplified version of the same text:

The cell membrane is a very thin layer that is around every cell. It is like a wall made of very small parts. It decides what can go in and out of the cell. Some things can go through the wall, but others cannot. It is like a tiny gate that lets certain things pass. This wall is important because it helps protect the cell from bad things and helps keep the cell healthy. 

Now to help you better understand the words used in the previous texts, below is a list of their vocabulary. Take a look and enhance your language skills: 

1. Cell membrane: A thin layer that surrounds the cell and controls what goes in and out.

2. Thin: Not very thick, slim.

3. Flexible: Able to bend or move easily without breaking.

4. Layer: A sheet or coating of something that covers a surface.

5. Lipids: Fatty molecules that make up the cell membrane.

6. Fatty molecules: Large molecules that are made up of fats.

7. Channels: Openings or passages that allow things to pass through.

8. Pores: Small openings that allow things to pass through.

9. Blocked: Stopped from passing through.

10. Proteins: Large molecules that are made up of amino acids and perform many functions in the cell.

11. Gatekeepers: Proteins that control what goes in and out of the cell.

12. Specific: Particular, limited to a certain type.

13. Enter: Go into.

14. Leave: Go out of.

15. Essential: Extremely important, necessary.

16. Survival: The state of continuing to exist or live.

17. Harmful: Dangerous or damaging.

18. Internal environment: The conditions inside the cell.

19. Wall: A solid structure that encloses or separates something.

20. Parts: Small pieces or components that make up something.

21. Decides: Determines or controls what happens.

22. Go in and out: Enter and leave.

23. Gate: An entrance or exit that can be opened or closed.

24. Let pass: Allow to go through.

25. Protect: Keep safe from harm or danger.

26. Keep healthy: Maintain good health.

27. Barrier: Something that blocks or prevents movement.

Learning a lot so far? Hang in there! Now we will be exploring:

The Nucleus.

The nucleus is like the brain of the cell. It is a small, round structure that is found in the center of the cell. It contains the cell's genetic material, which is called DNA. The DNA controls many of the cell's functions and is passed down from parent cells to daughter cells when the cell divides. The nucleus is surrounded by a membrane, which helps protect the DNA and control what goes in and out. The nucleus is very important for the cell because it helps the cell function properly and carry out its tasks.

Let's not forget a simplified version of this explanation in case you are still struggling with the subject! 

The nucleus is like the brain of a cell. It is a small, round part that is in the middle of the cell. It has a special material called DNA that tells the cell what to do. The DNA helps the cell work correctly and do its jobs. The nucleus is surrounded by a protective layer that controls what goes in and out. The nucleus is very important because it helps the cell work right and do what it needs to do.

Vocabulary list: 

1. DNA: a special material that tells the cell what to do and helps it work correctly.

2. Cell: the basic unit of life.

3. Brain: the main control center of the body.

4. Structure: a part of something.

5. Membrane: a layer that surrounds and protects something. 

6. Protect: to keep something safe from harm.

7. Control: to manage or regulate something.

8. Function: a task or job that something is designed to do.

9. Pass down: to give something to someone else, usually from a parent to a child.

10. Divide: to split into smaller parts.

11. Surround: to be all around something.

12. Properly: correctly or in the right way.

13. Task: a job or duty that needs to be done.

14. Work: to function or operate correctly.

15. Middle: the center or halfway point.

16. Protective: designed to keep something safe.

17.  In and out: things that enter or leave something.

Alright, you did great so far! But we are not done yet! it's time now to dive deeper into the exciting world of cell biology! We'll be following the same process we used earlier to explore the other elements of the cell. That means you'll get a more detailed explanation, a simplified version with easy-to-understand words, and finally a vocabulary section to help you remember all the important terms. Get ready to learn and have some fun!

Cytoplasm:

The cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance that fills the cell. It is like the "soup" of the cell, containing many important substances like salts, enzymes, and nutrients. The cytoplasm is important because it holds the cell's organelles in place, allowing them to carry out their functions. It also helps to transport materials within the cell, moving them from one organelle to another. The cytoplasm is constantly moving and changing, helping the cell to grow and divide. Overall, the cytoplasm plays a critical role in the functioning of the cell.

Simple version:

The cytoplasm is like a jelly that fills the cell. It is full of important things like salt, enzymes, and nutrients. The cytoplasm helps keep the cell parts in place so they can do their jobs. It also moves things around inside the cell, so everything gets to where it needs to go. The cytoplasm helps the cell grow and divide. Without it, the cell couldn't do its job.

Vocabulary list:

1. Cytoplasm: A jelly-like substance that fills the cell.

2. Organelles: Specialized structures inside the cell that have specific functions.

3. Salts: Chemical substances that dissolve in water and have important roles in the cell.

4. Enzymes: Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the cell.

5. Nutrients: Substances that the cell needs to survive and carry out its functions.

6. Transport: The movement of materials within the cell from one organelle to another.

7. Growth: The process of the cell becoming larger and more complex.

8. Division: The process of the cell dividing into two new cells.

9. Function: The specific job or purpose of a cell, organelle, or substance.

Mitochondria:

The mitochondria are tiny structures found inside cells that help produce energy. They are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell. The mitochondria use nutrients from the cell's food and oxygen to create a molecule called ATP, which is like a battery for the cell. The more ATP the cell has, the more energy it has to do its jobs.

The mitochondria have two layers, an inner and outer membrane, and their own DNA. They are able to divide and replicate themselves when the cell needs more energy. Overall, the mitochondria are very important for the cell because they help keep it alive and functioning.

Simple version:

The mitochondria are small parts inside cells that make energy. They are like a battery for the cell. They use food and oxygen to make a special molecule called ATP, which gives the cell energy.

The mitochondria have two parts and their own special code (like a recipe) that helps them make more of themselves. They are very important because they help the cell stay alive and work well.

Vocabulary list: 

1. Mitochondria: small structures inside cells that produce energy.

2. Powerhouses: term used to describe the mitochondria's role in producing energy.

3. Nutrients: substances from food that the cell needs for energy.

4. Oxygen: gas that the cell needs to produce energy.

5. ATP: a molecule that acts like a battery for the cell, produced by the mitochondria.

6. Inner membrane: layer of the mitochondria that is inside.

7. Outer membrane: layer of the mitochondria that is outside.

8. DNA: genetic material that contains the instructions for making new cells.

9. Replicate: to make a copy of something.

10. Divide: to split into two or more parts.

11. Functioning: working properly and doing its job.

12. Alive: having the ability to grow, reproduce, and respond to stimuli.

Ribosomes: 

Ribosomes are small structures inside cells that make proteins. They are like tiny factories that put together different building blocks called amino acids to create proteins that the cell needs.

Ribosomes can be found in different parts of the cell, such as floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. They can work alone or in groups, depending on the amount of protein the cell needs.

The ribosomes read the cell's genetic material called RNA to know what type of protein to make. Once they have the instructions, they use them to create a chain of amino acids that will fold and form a protein.

Overall, ribosomes are very important for the cell because they help make the proteins that the cell needs to function properly.

Simple version:

Ribosomes are like little factories inside cells that help make proteins. They read instructions from the cell's DNA to create proteins that are needed to keep the cell working. Proteins help repair and build new things in the cell. Ribosomes can be found floating inside the cell or attached to another structure. They are very important because they help the cell do its job."

Vocabulary list:

1. Ribosomes: small structures inside cells that make proteins.

2. Amino acids: different building blocks that are put together by ribosomes to create proteins.

3. Proteins: molecules that the cell needs to function properly, help repair and build new things in the cell.

4. Cytoplasm: the jelly-like substance that fills the cell.

5. Endoplasmic reticulum: a network of membranes inside the cell.

6. Genetic material: the instructions that the cell needs to function properly, located in the cell's DNA and RNA.

7. DNA: the molecule that contains genetic information in the cell.

8. RNA: a molecule that helps read the genetic information to make proteins.

9. Instructions: the genetic information that ribosomes use to create proteins.

10. Chain of amino acids: a sequence of amino acids that ribosomes put together to form a protein.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER):

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a structure inside cells that helps make and transport proteins and lipids. It looks like a network of tubes and channels that connects different parts of the cell.

There are two types of ER: rough and smooth. The rough ER has ribosomes attached to its surface, while the smooth ER doesn't. The ribosomes on the rough ER help to make proteins that will be transported to different parts of the cell or outside of the cell. The smooth ER helps to make lipids and hormones, and can also remove toxins from the cell.

The ER is important for the cell because it helps to create and transport the things that the cell needs to function properly. It is like a factory and a delivery system for the cell.

Simple version:

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a part inside cells that helps move and change molecules, like proteins and fats. There are two types of ER, rough and smooth.

Rough ER is covered in tiny factories called ribosomes, which help it make proteins. These proteins are then changed and prepared by the rough ER before being sent to different parts of the cell.

Smooth ER doesn't have ribosomes and its main job is to make fats and other molecules that the cell needs. It also helps remove harmful substances from the cell.

Overall, the endoplasmic reticulum is very important for the cell because it helps change and move the molecules the cell needs to work well.

Vocabulary list:

1. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) - a structure inside cells that helps transport and process molecules.

2. Molecules - substances made up of atoms, such as proteins and lipids (fats).

3. Rough ER - type of ER covered in ribosomes that helps make proteins.

4. Ribosomes - tiny factories inside cells that make proteins.

5. Proteins - building blocks made up of amino acids that cells use to do their jobs.

6. Smooth ER - type of ER that makes lipids and other molecules the cell needs and helps remove 7. toxins from the cell.

7. Lipids - a type of molecule that includes fats and oils.

8. Toxins - harmful substances that can damage cells and tissues.

9. Function - the job or purpose of something.

10. Process - to change or prepare something for use.

Golgi apparatus:

The Golgi apparatus is a structure inside cells that helps package and process proteins and lipids. It looks like a stack of flattened sacs or pancakes.

When proteins or lipids are made by the cell, they travel to the Golgi apparatus to be processed and sorted. The Golgi sorts the molecules and adds "labels" to them, like a postal service would add addresses to mail. These labels help the molecules get to their final destination in the cell or outside of the cell.

Once the molecules are sorted and labeled, the Golgi packages them into tiny sacs called vesicles. These vesicles can then be sent to other parts of the cell or outside of the cell to do their job.

Overall, the Golgi apparatus is very important for the cell because it helps package and sort the molecules the cell needs to function properly.

Simple version:

The Golgi apparatus is a part inside cells that helps put things like proteins and fats into tiny bags called vesicles. It looks like a stack of flattened pancakes.

When the cell makes proteins or fats, they go to the Golgi apparatus to be sorted and prepared. The Golgi sorts them out and adds "labels" to them, like an address on mail. These labels help the molecules go to the right place in the cell or outside of the cell.

After the molecules are sorted and labeled, the Golgi puts them into little bags called vesicles. These vesicles can be sent to other parts of the cell or outside of the cell to do their job.

Overall, the Golgi apparatus is very important for the cell because it helps put things in little bags and sort them out so the cell can work correctly.

Vocabulary list:

1. Golgi apparatus: a structure inside cells that helps package and process molecules.

2. Proteins: a type of molecule made by cells that does important jobs in the body.

3. Lipids: another type of molecule that cells use for energy and to build structures.

4. Stack: a group of things arranged on top of each other.

5. Flattened sacs or pancakes: a description of the shape of the Golgi apparatus.

6. Processed and sorted: prepared and organized.

7. Labels: tags that help molecules go to the right place in the cell or outside of the cell.

8. Postal service: a system that helps deliver mail to the correct address.

9. Vesicles: tiny bags that cells use to transport molecules.

10. Function properly: work correctly and do the jobs they are supposed to do.

Cytoskeleton:

The cytoskeleton is a framework of proteins inside cells that gives them their shape and helps them move. Think of it like the bones and muscles of the cell.

The cytoskeleton is made up of three types of proteins: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. These proteins work together to support the cell, maintain its shape, and allow it to move.

Microfilaments are like tiny threads that help the cell move and change shape. They also help the cell divide into two new cells.

Intermediate filaments are stronger and more stable than microfilaments. They provide structural support to the cell and help it resist stress.

Microtubules are long, hollow tubes that act like tracks for the cell. They help move materials within the cell and also help the cell divide into two new cells.

Overall, the cytoskeleton is very important for the cell because it helps give it its shape, allows it to move and divide, and helps it maintain its structure and integrity.

Simple version: 

The cytoskeleton is like the bones and muscles inside cells. It's made up of three types of proteins: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

Microfilaments are tiny threads that help the cell move and change shape, and they help it divide into two new cells.

Intermediate filaments are strong and help the cell resist stress.

Microtubules are long, hollow tubes that act like tracks for the cell. They help move things inside the cell and help the cell divide into two new cells.

The cytoskeleton is very important for the cell because it helps give it its shape, allows it to move and divide, and helps it maintain its structure and integrity.

Vocabulary list:

1. Cytoskeleton: A framework of proteins inside cells that helps maintain cell shape and allows cells to move.

2. Proteins: Molecules made up of long chains of amino acids that perform various functions in cells.

3. Microfilaments: Tiny threads of proteins that help cells move and change shape, and help cell division.

4. Intermediate filaments: Stronger and more stable than microfilaments, providing structural support to cells and helping them resist stress.

5. Microtubules: Long, hollow tubes of proteins that act like tracks for cells, helping to move materials within the cell and helping cell division.

6. Shape: The form or outline of an object or organism.

7. Move: Change position or location.

8. Divide: The process of one cell splitting into two new cells.

9. Integrity: The state of being whole or undivided.

10 Stress: Pressure or strain on an object or organism.

Vacuoles:

Vacuoles are small sacs inside cells that are used for storage. They can hold various things, including water, nutrients, and waste products. Vacuoles can also help maintain the shape and structure of a cell.

In plant cells, vacuoles are especially important because they can hold a lot of water. This helps to keep the plant hydrated, and also provides support to the plant by maintaining pressure inside the cell. In addition, vacuoles in plant cells can store various nutrients and pigments, which can be used for energy and for coloration.

Vacuoles in animal cells are also important for storage, but are generally smaller and less prominent than those in plant cells. They can store waste products and other substances that the cell needs to get rid of.

Overall, vacuoles are important structures inside cells that help with storage, structure, and maintenance of the cell.

Simple version:

Vacuoles are tiny sacs inside cells that hold things like water, nutrients, and waste products. They also help keep the shape of the cell.

In plant cells, vacuoles are really important because they can store lots of water, which keeps the plant hydrated and helps it stay upright. They can also hold nutrients and pigments that give the plant energy and color.

In animal cells, vacuoles are smaller and not as noticeable, but they still help store things that the cell doesn't need right away.

Overall, vacuoles are important for cells because they help with storage and structure.

Vocabulary list:

1. Vacuoles - small sacs inside cells that are used for storage.

2. Water - a clear, colorless liquid that is essential for life.

3. Nutrients - substances that provide nourishment and energy to the body.

4. Waste products - unwanted or unusable materials that need to be removed from the body.

5. Hydrated - having enough water or moisture to function properly.

6. Pressure - the force exerted by one object against another.

7. Pigments - substances that give color to plants and animals.

8. Structure - the arrangement or framework of something.

9. Maintenance - the act of keeping something in good condition.

10. Animal cells - cells that make up the tissues and organs of animals.

11. Plant cells - cells that make up the tissues and organs of plants.

12. Noticeable - easily seen or detected.

13. Overall - all things considered; taking everything into account.

That's all for today, folks! I hope this list can be useful to anyone who is interested in learning English and studying some biology at the same time. It took me a while to compile this list, so if it has helped you in any way, I would be thrilled if you could leave a comment below. Let me know your thoughts and feedback - they are highly valuable to me. Thank you very much!