CELLS
1. Introduction to Cells
1. Defi nition: A cell is the smallest unit of life, se rving as the basic
st ructural and functional u nit of all li vi ng organisms. Cells are
the basic unit of life. They are ti ny structu res that make up all
li ving organisms. Cells are made up of many differe nt parts, each
with its own specific function.
Discove ry: Cells we re fi rst discove red by Robe rt Hooke in 1665
whe n he obse rved cork unde r a mic roscope.
Robert Hooke's work laid the foundation for the de velopment of cell
theory. In 1665, Hooke obse rved thin slices of cork under a
mic roscope and desc ribed the structu res he sa w as "cells" due to their
rese mblance to small rooms or compartments. Although Hooke's
unde rstanding of cells was li mited, his observations were c rucial in
establishi ng the concept of cells.
Cell theory, for mulated i n the mid-19th ce ntury, e xpanded upon
Hooke's initial observations. It consists of three mai n pri nciples:
1. All li vi ng organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of structu re and fu nction i n all li ving
organisms.
3. Cells arise from pre-e xisti ng cells through cell di vision.
Cell theory builds on Hooke's work by providi ng a comprehensi ve
frame work for unde rstandi ng the organization and functioni ng of
li ving organisms. It recognizes that cells a re not just present i n plants
(as Hooke initially observed i n cork), but i n all li vi ng orga nisms.
Additionally, cell theory e mphasizes that cells a re not static structures
but dynamic e ntities i n vol ved i n various biological processes..
2. Types of Cells
Unicellular Organisms: Organisms made up of a single cell (e.g.,
Amoeba, Euglena).
Multicellular Organisms: Organisms composed of multiple cells (e.g.,
Humans, Earth wor ms).
3. Cell Structure
3.1 Basic Components
1. Cell membrane: The cell me mbrane is the oute r bounda ry of the
cell. It cont rols what goes i n and out of the cell.
Nucleus: The nucleus is the control ce nte r of the cell. It contains
the cell's DNA, which contains the instructions for maki ng
proteins.
Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the fluid that fills the inside of the
cell. It contai ns organelles, which a re ti ny structures that car ry
out specific functions.
Mitochondria: The mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of the cell.
They con ve rt food i nto e nergy that the cell ca n use.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are protei n factories. They use the
instructions i n the DNA to make protei ns.
Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum is a net work
of me mbranes that t ransports protei ns a nd other materials
throughout the cell.
Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus packages and distributes
proteins and other mate rials.
Lysosomes: Lysosomes are waste-disposal ce nters of the cell. They
break down old organelles and othe r waste materials.
Peroxisomes: Pe roxisomes are organelles that detoxify the cell.
They break down har mful substances such as hydrogen peroxide.
Cytoskeleton: The cytoskeleton is a net work of protei n fibers that
gi ves the cell its shape and helps it to move.
3.2 Organelles
Mitochondria:
Known as the powerhouse of the cell; responsible for energy
production.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
Net work of membranes in vol ved in protein and lipid synthesis.
Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.
Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes; synthesizes lipids.
Golgi Apparatus:
Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for sec retion.
Lysosomes:
Contain enzymes for digestion and waste removal.
Chloroplasts (in plant cells):
Site of photosynthesis; contains chlorophyll.
Vacuoles:
Storage sacs for nutrients, waste products, and water.
4. Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells
Feature Plant Cells Animal Cells
Cell Wall Present (made of cellulose) Absent
Chloroplasts Present Absent
Vacuoles Large and numerous Small and few
Shape Fixed (usually rectangular) Irregular
5. Cell Theory
Postulates:
All li ving organisms are composed of one or more cells.
The cell is the basic unit of life.
All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
6. Functions of Cells
Support and Structure: Provides shape and support to organisms.
Growth and Reproduction: Cells di vide through mitosis and
meiosis.
Transport of Substances: Nutrients enter and waste products exit
the cell.
Energy Production: Cells generate energy through cellular
respiration and photosynthesis.
7. Conclusion
Cells are the basic unit of life. They are complex structures that
car ry out a variety of essential functions. Cells are constantly
di viding, growing, and dying. They communicate with each other
and work together to maintain the health of the organism. Cells
can be damaged by disease, but they can also be repaired and
replaced. The study of cells is called cell biology. Cell biology is a
rapidly growing field of research that is making important
discoveries about the causes and treatment of diseases.
