CELL

Fundamental unit of life

Prepared by: Lorie Mae V. Caro

 Cell
Basic and fundamental
unit of life,
it possesses a highly
organized structure that
enables it to carry
out its vital functions.
Who discovered cells?
The discovery of cells is attributed to Antonie van
Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) and Robert Hooke (1635-
1703), two pioneers in microscopy.
Robert hooke
In 1665, he published Micrographia, a
book filled with drawings and
descriptions of the organisms he viewed
under the recently invented microscope.
The invention of the microscope led to
the discovery of the cell by Hooke. While
looking at cork, Hooke observed box-
shaped structures, which he called
“cells” as they reminded him of the cells,
or rooms, in monasteries. This discovery
led to the development of the classical
cell theory.
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
He was able to discover single-
cell plants and animals or
protists. Due to his ability to
utilize light properly with his
microscope, in 1674,
Leeuwenhoek was the first one
to give precise shape and size to
human blood cells. Two years
later in 1676, Leeuwenhoek was
able to discover bacteria in
water.
Cell theory
All organisms are
made of cells.
All existing cells are
produced by other
living cells.
The cell is the most
basic unit of life.
 Structure and
basic functions
These components work together to maintain cellular
homeostasis and perform essential life activities.
 Composed of several fundamental components

Cell membrane Nucleus Ribosome Rough endoplasmic Golgi Apparatus

reticulum.

Mitochondria Chloroplasts Lysosome and Centriole Microtubules

peroxisome
 Cell membrane

The cell membrane surrounds the cell

and is a selective barrier between the
interior and the exterior.

Its primary role lies in regulating the

passage of substances, including
nutrients and waste materials.

Within it, specialized proteins play a

crucial role in facilitating molecular
transport and cellular
communication.
 Cell nucleus

An organelle that houses DNA,

located in the center of eukaryotic
cells.

Its primary function is to store and

safeguard genetic information,
controlling gene expression and
DNA replication.

It also contains the nucleolus,

which is involved in ribosome
synthesis.
 Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a gel-like matrix
containing water, salts, proteins,
and other molecules. It occupies
the intracellular space between
the cell membrane and the
nucleus.

It plays a crucial role in

biochemical reactions, energy
production, and substance
transport. Essential for cellular
metabolism, it provides
structural support to the cell.
Protein Synthesis
Building and repairing cellular structures, regulating
biological processes, and expressing specific
characteristics of each organism.
 Ribosome
Ribosomes are essential organelles
for cellular functioning and
survival.

They synthesize proteins using the

genetic information from
messenger RNA (mRNA), which is
crucial for cellular structure,
function, and regulation.

Ribosomes are located in the

cytoplasm and the rough
endoplasmic reticulum.
 Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of interconnected membranes that

extends from the nuclear membrane to the cell
membrane. It plays a fundamental role in the
transport, processing, and distribution of
proteins and lipids within the cell.

There are two main types of ER:

The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) is

studded with ribosomes and is involved in
the synthesis and modification of proteins.

The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

specializes in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate
metabolism, and detoxification.
 Golgi apparatus
Key in the processing and packaging
of proteins and lipids produced in the
endoplasmic reticulum.

It synthesizes carbohydrates and

lipoproteins and is essential for
maintaining the cell's internal balance
and facilitating communication with
the outside.

Composed of a series of flattened

sacs called cisternae, it acts as the
'shipping center' of the cell, sorting
and packaging proteins into vesicles
for transport and distribution.
 Energy Supply
To carry out vital functions and necessary metabolic
processes essential for the proper functioning of the
cell and/or organism.
 Mitochondria

Present in eukaryotic animal and

plant cells. Their primary function
is energy generation through
cellular respiration (ATP
production).

The double membrane of

mitochondria allows for the
organization of various stages of
the respiratory chain, making it
crucial for cellular function and
survival.
 Chloroplasts
Exclusive to plant cells and
photosynthetic organisms,
chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis,
converting solar energy into chemical
energy.
During photosynthesis, they
synthesize glucose and other organic
compounds using carbon dioxide and
water, releasing oxygen as a
byproduct.

They are responsible for the crucial

production of oxygen that sustains
the planet.
 Cellular Digestion
It involves breaking down molecules and unwanted
materials, enabling the recycling of nutrients and
cellular maintenance.
 Lysosomes Peroxisomes
They contain enzymes that degrade
They contain digestive enzymes hydrogen peroxide and toxic
that break down molecules and compounds, thereby protecting the
unwanted cellular materials. cell from oxidative damage.

They facilitate cellular Additionally, they play a role in the

digestion, by disposing of synthesis and degradation of lipids
waste, recycling nutrients, and and bile acids, regulating lipid
metabolism and overall
defending against pathogenic homeostasis.
invasions.
 Support and
Movement
Maintaining cellular shape, enabling cellular
movement and division, are essential for its
functioning and survival.
 Cytoskeleton
It is composed of protein filaments
(microtubules, microfilaments,
and intermediate filaments) and
provides support and enables
movement in eukaryotic cells.

Its specific functions encompass

stability, intracellular transport,
and contraction. Furthermore, it
regulates cellular shape and plays
a role in division, migration, and
communication.
 Flagella and cilia

Specialized structures for

movement. They are elongated
and enable locomotion in liquid
environments, whereas cilia are
shorter and create coordinated
flow on the cell surface.

Composed of microtubules in a
'9+2' pattern, they are essential
for sperm motility.
 Storage and
Transportation
They manage nutrients, eliminate waste,
and regulate metabolic processes.
 Vacuoles
Membrane-bound organelles
found in plant cells and some
animal cells. They store
nutrients, water, ions, and waste
materials, regulating turgor
pressure
and osmotic balance.

Vacuoles can also be involved in

the digestion of substances and
serve as a defense mechanism
against predators
by containing toxins.
Vesicles and endosomes

Membranous vesicles that

transport specific materials
between organelles and the cell
membrane.
Vesicles: They transport
materials from the endoplasmic
reticulum and the Golgi
apparatus to other destinations.
Endosomes: They capture and
distribute materials for
degradation, recycling, or their
incorporation into metabolic
pathways.
 Prokaryotic Prokaryotic
Dispersed genetic material
Lack a defined
nucleus in the cytoplasm.

Plant
Types Cellulose cell wall;
chloroplasts and vacuoles.

of Cells
Animal
Rigid cell wall;
may have flagella.
Eukaryotic
Have a defined
nucleus
Protist
They can have a cell wall,
without differentiated tissues.

Fungal
Chitin Cell Wall;
they are heterotrophs.
 Parts of an
Animal Cell
 Animal Cell
An animal cell is the smallest
biological unit of life found in
animals.
 Animal Cell
Animal cells are composed of different
parts. Each part has specific functions. The
following are the parts of an animal cell:
 Nucleus
This round organelle is in
the center of the cell. It
controls all the activities
of the animal cell.
 Vacuole
Vacuoles help maintain
water balance in animal
cells.
Golgi Apparatus
It is the part that helps
process and package
proteins and lipid molecules
in the animal cell.
Endoplamic Reticulum
Two types of it are
smooth endoplasmic
reticulum and rough
endoplasmic reticulum.
Parts of a
Plant Cell
Plant Cell
Plant cells are the
building blocks of all
plants.
 Plant Cell
Plant cells are composed of different
parts. Each part has specific functions.
The following are the parts of a plant
cell:
 Cell Wall
It is the protective part of
the plant cell. It gives the
plant cell its rectangular
shape.
 Nucleus
This round organelle
is in the center of the
cell. It controls all the
activities of the plant
cell.
 Vacuole
Vacuoles help maintain
water balance in plant cells.
Golgi Apparatus
It is the part that helps
process and package
proteins and lipid
molecules in the plant cell.
Chloroplast
It is the part that
produces food in a
plant cell.
 Mitochondria
It is the power plant of the
plant cell.
Endoplamic Reticulum
Two types of it are
smooth endoplasmic
reticulum and rough
endoplasmic reticulum.
 Differences between
animal cells & plant cells
 Differences between
animal cells & plant cells

Size
Animal cells are generally smaller than plant
cells. Animal cells range from 10 to 30
micrometers in length, while plant cells
range from 10 to 100 micrometers in length.
 Differences between
animal cells & plant cells

Shape
Animal cells come in various sizes and
tend to have round or irregular shapes.
Plant cells are more similar in size and are
typically rectangular or cube-shaped.
 Differences between
animal cells & plant cells

Energy Storage
Animal cells store energy in the form of the
complex carbohydrateglycogen. Plant cells
store energy as starch.
 Differences between
animal cells & plant cells

Growth
Animal cells increase in size by increasing in
cell numbers. Plant cells mainly increase cell
size by becoming larger. They grow by
absorbing more water into the central
vacuole.
 Differences between
animal cells & plant cells

Cell Wall
Animal cells do not have a cell wall but
have a cell membrane. Plant cells have a
cell wall composed of cellulose as well as
a cell membrane.
 Differences between
animal cells & plant cells
Thank you!
Any questions?