www.topperlearning.comCELL - THE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL UNIT OF LIFE Cell - The Structural and Functional Unit of Life The cell is the structural and functional unit of the body. All living beings develop from pre-existing cells. Robert Hooke (1665) discovered the cell. He observed cork cells of a tree bark. Cell Theory: All organisms start their life with a single cell. Each cell is capable of carrying out various metabolic processes. Cell Number: Unicellular Organisms Made of a single cell Example: Amoeba Multi-celfular Organisms Consists of many cells adapted to perform different functions. Examples: Plants, human beings Cell Size The size of cells ranges from 1/10" to 1/1000" mm. Largest cell in the world Egg of an ostrich Smallest cell Mycoplasma gallisepticum Largest human cell Female ovum Smallest human cell Red blood cell Longest cell Nerve cell Cell Shape: Shapes of cells are often related to their functions. ‘© Human red blood cells are circular and biconcave for easy passage through blood capillaries and to transport oxygen. © White blood cells are amoeboid bearing pseudopodia so that they can squeeze through blood capillaries and destroy pathogens. 0 Nerve cells are slender and long to carry impulses. ‘© Guard cells are bean-shaped so that they can control the opening and closing of the stoma. Microscope: A microscope is an instrument used to magnify objects to be studied. Cell Structure: Nucleus adjoining co Plant CellCELL - THE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL UNIT OF LIFE Nalco sixchondson ‘sete Rough ‘© Cell organelles lie in the cytoplasm oan mice Animal Cell Part of Cell | Characteristics [Functions 1. Cell Membrane * Living membrane ‘* Separates cell content + Outermost in animals from the surroundings ‘+ Semi-permeable ‘* Maintains cell shape in animal cells 2. Cell Wall * Present only in plant cells Gives the plant cell rigidity + Composed of cellulose and shape + Provides protection 3. Cytoplasm * Semi-liquid substance —_ Siite of enzyme-dependent metabolic reactions | 4, Endoplasmic Reticulum tochondria + Two types: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) * Lined by a double membrane + Have their own DNA. known as mitochondrial DNA ‘© Supportive framework of the cell ‘* Synthesis and transport of proteins and fats + Synthesis of respiratory ‘enzymes ‘+ Site for aerobic respiration and energy storage, so also known as the powerhouse of the cellCELL - THE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL UNIT OF LIFE 6. Golgi Apparatus * Stacks of flattened ‘+ Synthesis and secretion of membrane sacs ‘enzymes and hormones oe open sncomng rarapor vesicle ~— © 2. = \ i ° e ° ° ° eo 7. Ribosomes + Small granular structures | « Site for protein synthesis '* Scattered in cytoplasm, nucleoplasm or on the endoplasmic reticulum 8. Lysosomes * Membranous sacs ‘+ Destroy foreign substances ‘+ Destroy old or damaged cells, so also known as suicidal sacs 9. Centrosome * Found only in animal cells « Initiates and regulates cell '* A region surrounding the division centrioles 10. Plastids * Twokinds: Leucoplasts — « Leucoplasts store starch (colourless plastids) and» Chloroplasts are sites for chromoplasts (coloured photosynthesis. plastids) * Chloroplast is a green- coloured pigment Inner membrane Thylal ‘Outer membraneCELL - THE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL UNIT OF LIFE 11. Nucleus + Largest cell organelle + Regulates cell functions, * Contains chromatin 80 also known as control network centre of the cell Nuclear Envelope Anatomy ‘Chromatin, of the Nucleus Nucteotus, 12. Nucleolus Present inside the nucleus Synthesis of ribosomes 13. Chromatin Fibres * Contain genetic material,» Carry hereditary 2. DNA information 14. Vacuoles * Sac-like structures which Storage of water and contain cell sap substances dissolved in + Large and permanent in water plant cells + Small and temporary in animal cells 15. Granules * Small particles, crystal or | Serve as food for cells droplets such as fat- containing granules, starch-containing granules in plant cells and glycogen-containing granules in animal cells Differences between Plant Cell and Animal Cell, * Cell wall is present and is made of ‘© Cell wall is absent. cellulose. * Centrosome is absent. «Centrosome is present. + Plastids are present. ‘* Plastids are absent. Microscopic Examination of Onion Peel: ‘+ The cells are firmly bound together. ‘+ The nucleus is placed towards one side which is usually the case in plant cells.ee CELL - THE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL UNIT OF LIFE cell wall ucteus vacoule — cytoplasm Nucleus is Essential for Normal Life: ‘+ The nucleus is essential for life. ‘+ Amoeba divides by normal cell division. ‘+ If the nucleus is removed, then amoeba does not survive. ‘+ Ifthe nucleus from another amoeba is transplanted in an enucleated amoeba, then the recipient survives and divides while the donor (enucleated) amoeba dies. Differences between Eukaryotic Cells and Prokaryotic Cells: Eukaryotic Cells | Prokaryotic Cells ‘* Membrane-bound cell organelles are * Membrane-bound cell organelles are present. absent. * The contents of nucleus are separated Nuclear material lies in the cytoplasm. from the cytoplasm. + Example: Bacteria + Examples: Animal cell, plant cell Important Links View Past session labus Downl: Watch Video Lesson Buy class 10"" pack Visit us on: http://www.topperlearning.com