What is a Cell?
A cell is the structural and fundamental unit of life. The study of cells from its basic structure to
the functions of every cell organelle is called Cell Biology. Robert Hooke was the first Biologist
who discovered cells.
All organisms are made up of cells. They may be made up of a single cell (unicellular), or many
cells (multicellular). Mycoplasmas are the smallest known cells. Cells are the building blocks of
all living beings. They provide structure to the body and convert the nutrients taken from the
food into energy.
Cells are complex and their components perform various functions in an organism. They are of
different shapes and sizes, pretty much like bricks of buildings. Our body is made up of cells of
different shapes and sizes.
Cells are the lowest level of organization in every life form. From organism to organism, the
count of cells may vary. Humans have a greater number of cells compared to that of bacteria.
Following are the various essential characteristics of cells:
Cells provide structure and support to the body of an organism.
The cell interior is organized into different individual organelles surrounded by a separate
membrane.
The nucleus (major organelle) holds genetic information necessary for reproduction and
cell growth.
Every cell has one nucleus and membrane-bound organelles in the cytoplasm.
Mitochondria, a double membrane-bound organelle is mainly responsible for the energy
transactions vital for the survival of the cell.
Lysosomes digest unwanted materials in the cell.
Endoplasmic reticulum plays a significant role in the internal organization of the cell by
synthesizing selective molecules and processing, directing and sorting them to their
appropriate locations.
Types of Cells
Cells are similar to factories with different labourers and departments that work towards a
common objective. Various types of cells perform different functions. Based on cellular
structure, there are two types of cells:
Prokaryotes
Eukaryotes
Cell Organelles and their Functions
Nucleolus
The nucleolus is the site of ribosome synthesis. Also, it is involved in controlling cellular activities and cellular
reproduction.
Nuclear membrane
The nuclear membrane protects the nucleus by forming a boundary between the nucleus and other cell organelles.
Chromosomes
Chromosomes play a crucial role in determining the sex of an individual. Each human cells contain 23 pairs of
chromosomes.
Endoplasmic reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the transportation of substances throughout the cell. It plays a primary role in
the metabolism of carbohydrates, synthesis of lipids, steroids and proteins.
Golgi Bodies
Golgi bodies are called the cell’s post office as it is involved in the transportation of materials within the cell.
Ribosome
Ribosomes are the protein synthesisers of the cell.
Mitochondria
The mitochondrion is called “the powerhouse of the cell.” It is called so because it produces ATP – the cell’s energy
currency.
Lysosomes
Lysosomes protect the cell by engulfing the foreign bodies entering the cell and help in cell renewal. Therefore, they are
known as the cell’s suicide bags.
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are the primary organelles for photosynthesis. It contains the pigment called chlorophyll.
Vacuoles
Vacuoles store food, water, and other waste materials in the cell.
Stem cells Embryonic stem cells
Adult stem cells
Red blood cells Erythrocytes
White blood cells Granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils)
Agranulocytes (monocytes, lymphocytes)
Platelets Fragments of megakaryocytes
Nerve cells Neurons
Neuroglial cells
Muscle cells Skeletal
Cardiac
Smooth
Cartilage cells Chondrocytes
Bone cells Osteoblasts
Osteoclasts
Osteocytes
Lining cells
Skin cells Keratinocytes
Melanocytes
Merkel cells
Langerhans cells
Endothelial Lining blood vessels
Epithelial cells Lining body cavities
Fat cells White adipocytes
Brown adipocytes
Sex cells Spermatozoa
Ova
