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Cells

Cells

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26 views27 pages

Cells

Cells

Uploaded by

wfyvfhhb57
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Topic: Cells

Objectives
At the end you should be able to:-
1. Define the cell as the basic unit of structure and function of living organisms.
2. Examine plant and animal cells using the light microscope.
3. Draw and label diagrams of generalised plant and animal cells as seen under the microscope.
4. Relate selected cell structure/organelles to their specific functions.
5. Compare the structure of a typical plant cell and animal cells as seen under the light
microscope.
6. State that organisms can be multicellular or unicellular and give examples of each.
7. Compare specialised plant and animal cells and state their basic function .
8. Define cells, tissues, organs, organ-systems and organism and show their hierarchical
relationship.
What are cells?

► Cells are the basic unit of structure and


function of living things. In other words cells
are called the building blocks of living
organisms.
► There are many tiny structures in the cell,
these are called organelles. To clearly see
most organelles in a cell, an electronic
microscope must be used.
Structure of a typical animal cell
There are some organelles which are invisible using a light
microscope. Below are the organelles found in both typical
plant and animal cells.

A typical animal cells contains:- (You must know the structures listed below)

► cell membrane
► cytoplasm
► nucleus (plural nuclei)
► small vacuole
► mitochondrion (plural mitochondria)
► ribosome
► endoplasmic reticulum (plural endoplasmic reticula)
Structure of a typical plant cell
The organelles which are usually present in a typical plant
cell are:- (You must know the structures listed below)

► Cell wall
► cell membrane
► cytoplasm
► nucleus
► mitochondrion
► ribosome
► endoplasmic reticulum
► large vacuole
► chloroplast (with starch grain)
Organelles and their roles

Vacuole
► This is an area filled with fluid. The vacuole helps to
inflate the cell for support, store water, waste and
dissolved substances. In animal cells the vacuole are
small, while in plant cells they are large, at times
filling the entire cytoplasm.
Cell membrane:

► this is a thin, flexible envelope that surrounds the


cell. The membrane is described as
partially-permeable or selectively permeable. This
means that some substances are allowed into and
out of the cell. This membrane also separates the cell
contents from their surroundings, and this helps to
maintain a constant composition within the cell.
Cell wall

► surrounds the cell membrane and is made up of


cellulose. The cell wall is described as fully
permeable , that is, materials are allowed to move
freely into and out of the cell. The cell wall helps to
protect and support the cell.
Cytoplasm

► is a clear jelly-like fluid made up of about 70% water.


The cytoplasm acts as a solvent, causing many
substances to dissolve in it. It also holds the
organelles in place.
Mitochondria
Singular-mitochondria

► May be described as the 'powerhouse' of the cell.


Their job is to release energy for the cell during
respiration. The more active the cell, the more
mitochondria it has.
Nucleus

► Called the 'brain' of the cell. It is essential for the life


of the cell as it controls the various processes which
go on in it. The nucleus also stores information that
the cell and the organelles may need. The nucleus
also contains chromosomes (made up of DNA
strands) which pass on the genetic information.
Ribosomes

► they may float freely in the cytoplasm but


most are attached to the endoplasmic
reticulum. Their function is to manufacture
protein for the cell. Protein is used to repair
and replace worn out or damaged structures.
Endoplasmic reticulum
(plural- Endoplasmic reticula)

► is described as a 'maze' of the


membranes running throughout the
cytoplasm. This transports substances
throughout the cell, especially protein.
Chloroplasts

► are irregular shaped structures which float


freely in the cytoplasm. Chloroplasts contain a
green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll
aids in the process of photosynthesis.
Similarities between plant and animal
cells
► There are some similarities between a typical plant and a
typical animal cell.
► Both cells:-
► have a cell membrane that surrounds the cell
► contain endoplasmic reticulum
► have cytoplasm
► contain ribosomes
► contain a nucleus
► contain a mitochondria
The main differences between the plant and animal cells are
outlined int the table below.
ANIMAL CELL PLANT CELL

Shape Irregular shaped Fixed shape

Cell wall Absent Present- made up of cellulose


which helps to give the cell its
firmness

Nucleus Usually centrally located Usually found 'pushed' to one


side
Vacuole usually small usually large

Chloroplasts None present Contains chlorophyll because


plants make their own food
(photosynthesis)
Starch grains None present starch grains present (due to
photosynthsis)
Unicellular and Multicellular

► Organisms can be classified as unicellular and


multicellular organisms.
► Unicellular organsims are made up of a single
cell and are mostly invisible to the naked eye
and examples of unicellular organisms are
shown below. This single cell carries out all
the actvities of the organism.
Unicellular organisms

Paramecium
Bacteria
Unicellular yeast cells under the
microscope
Multicellular organism

► Organisms that consist of more than one cell are known as


multicellular organisms. Multicellular organisms are made
up of more than one cell. These cells identify and attached
to each other to form a multicellular organism. Organisms
like plants, animals and some algae arise from a single cell
and they grow up into a multi-celled organism.
Multicellular Organisms

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