A partial area for retaining data during low power consumption mode is
composed of a single first memory cell out of a plurality of memory cells
connected to a bit line. An operation control circuit operates any of the
memory cells selected in accordance with an address signal during normal
operation mode for performing a read operation and a write operation. The
operation control circuit keeps latching data retained by the first
memory cell in the partial area into a sense amplifier during the low
power consumption mode. This eliminates the need for a refresh operation
for retaining the data in the first memory cell during the low power
consumption mode. Since the data can be retained without a refresh
operation, it is possible to reduce the power consumption during the low
power consumption mode.