The Fundamental Unit of Life

Plasma membrane, Cytoplasm, Genetic material

All cells have a plasma membrane to separate the cell contents from the environment, cytoplasm as the fluid content inside, and genetic material (DNA) for heredity. Cell wall is only in plant cells, fungi, and bacteria. Nucleus is only in eukaryotic cells.

Movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane

Osmosis is specifically the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a region of high water concentration to low water concentration. It is a special case of diffusion involving only water.

Hypotonic solution, Dilute solution

Hypotonic solutions have higher water concentration than the cell, causing water to enter the cell by osmosis, making it swell. Dilute solutions are hypotonic. Hypertonic solutions cause cells to shrink, while isotonic solutions maintain cell size.

Cell wall

Cell wall is a rigid outer covering made of cellulose that is present only in plant cells. It provides structural strength and protection. Animal cells have only a flexible plasma membrane as their outer boundary.