CELL

Fundamental unit of life

 Cell
Basic and fundamental
unit of life,
it possesses a highly
organized structure that
enables it to carry
out its vital functions.
 Prokaryotic
Dispersed genetic material
in the cytoplasm.
Prokaryotic
Plant
Lack a defined Cellulose cell wall;
nucleus chloroplasts and vacuoles.

Animal
Types Rigid cell wall;
may have flagella.
of
Cells Protist
They can have a cell wall,
Eukaryotic without differentiated tissues.
Have a defined
nucleus
Fungal
Chitin Cell Wall;
they are heterotrophs.
 Composed of several fundamental components

Cell membrane Nucleus Ribosome Rough endoplasmic Golgi Apparatus

reticulum.

Mitochondria Chloroplasts Lysosome and Centriole Microtubules

peroxisome
 Structure and
basic functions
These components work together to maintain cellular
homeostasis and perform essential life activities.
 Cell membrane
"Controls what enters and exits the cell."

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.
 Cell nucleolus

The nucleolus is a spherical

structure found in the cell's
nucleus whose primary function is
to produce and assemble the
cell's ribosomes.

The nucleolus is also where

ribosomal RNA genes are
transcribed.
 Cytoplasm
"Gel-like fluid where organelles are suspended."

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
"Protein synthesis."
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.
 Centrosomes
Centrosomes are organelles
that help organize
microtubules in animal cells.

Centrosomes control the

internal spatial organization of
somatic cells, and as such
contribute to cell division, cell
polarity and migration.
They are essential for cell division, cell migration, and
building cilia.
 Endoplasmic reticulum
"Transports materials; Rough ER has
ribosomes, Smooth ER does not."
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
"Packages and distributes proteins."
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
"Powerhouse of the cell; produces energy."

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
"Breaks down waste materials and cellular
debris." They contain enzymes that degrade
hydrogen peroxide and toxic
They contain digestive enzymes that compounds, thereby protecting the
break down molecules and unwanted cell from oxidative damage.
cellular materials.
Additionally, they play a role in the
They facilitate cellular digestion, by synthesis and degradation of lipids
disposing of waste, recycling and bile acids, regulating lipid
nutrients, and defending against metabolism and overall homeostasis.
pathogenic invasions.
 Cell Motility and
Structure
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.
 Cell Transport Method
"What is cell transport?"
Cell transport is the process of moving substances in and out of cells.
It helps maintain the balance of water, nutrients, and ions within the
cell. This balance is important for cell activities like growth,
metabolism, and reproduction.
The main methods of cell transport are passive transport
(including simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and
osmosis) which do not require energy, and active
transport which uses cellular energy (ATP) to move
molecules against their concentration gradient; large
molecules are transported through vesicles via processes
like endocytosis and exocytosis.
 Cell Transport Method
The Passive Transport
Simple diffusion: Small, nonpolar
molecules move directly through the cell
membrane from high to low
concentration without assistance from
proteins.
Facilitated diffusion: Larger or polar
molecules move across the membrane
with the help of specific transport
proteins (channels or carriers).
Osmosis: Movement of water molecules
from a region of high water concentration
to a region of low water concentration
across a semipermeable membrane.
 Cell Transport Method
The Active Transport
Pump proteins: Specialized proteins use
energy (ATP) to move molecules against
their concentration gradient, like the
sodium-potassium pump.
Endocytosis: The cell membrane engulfs
large particles to bring them into the cell
by forming vesicles.
Exocytosis: Vesicles containing
molecules fuse with the cell membrane to
release their contents outside the cell.
(Adenosine Triphosphate)
ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate) is the form of ATP after
it has released energy by losing a phosphate group
 S I S
I T O O
M
IVISI N
LL D
CE
What is Mitosis?
Mitosis is a cell's way of making
copies of itself. It happens when a
cell needs to grow, repair itself,
or replace old or damaged cells.
The cell prepares for mitosis by
getting ready. It makes sure it
has everything it needs to divide
into two new cells.
 Stages of Mitosis

Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase Cytokinesis

 Interphase
Before mitosis begins, the cell
goes through a period called
interphase.
During interphase, the cell
grows, duplicates its DNA, and
prepares for division. Although
not technically part of mitosis,
interphase is an essential
precursor to the process.
 Prophase
Mitosis officially begins with prophase.
During this phase, the chromatin, which
consists of DNA and proteins, condenses into
visible chromosomes. Each chromosome
consists of two identical sister chromatids
joined at a region called the centromere. The
nuclear envelope, which surrounds the
nucleus, begins to break down, and spindle
fibers start to form.
Metaphase
During metaphase, the
chromosomes line up along the
metaphase plate, which is an
imaginary plane equidistant from
the two poles of the cell. This
alignment ensures that each
daughter cell will receive the
same number and type of
chromosomes.
 Anaphase
Anaphase is characterized by
the separation of sister
chromatids. The spindle
fibers attached to the
centromeres shorten, pulling
the sister chromatids apart
and moving them toward
opposite poles of the cell.
 Telophase
In telophase, the separated
chromosomes reach the poles of
the cell, and new nuclear
envelopes begin to form around
them. The chromosomes start to
decondense back into
chromatin, and the spindle
fibers disassemble.
 Cytokinesis
Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell
division, during which the cytoplasm
of the cell is divided into two daughter
cells. In animal cells, this process is
accomplished by a cleavage furrow,
which pinches the cell membrane
inward until the cell is divided into
two.
 feature bacteria viruses fungi protozoa
FEATURE BACTERIA
Prokaryotic Not a cell Eukaryotic (has a Eukaryotic (has a
Cell Type (non-living)
(no nucleus) nucleus) nucleus)

Size 0.2 - 2 µm 20 - 300 nm 2 µm - several cm 10 - 100 µm

Single-celled, cell wall DNA or RNA inside a Can be single-celled Single-celled,

Structure (yeasts) or multicellular
(except Mycoplasma) protein coat (capsid) (molds) no cell wall
Binary fission Needs a host cell Spores (asexual or Asexual (binary
Reproduction
(asexual) to replicate sexual reproduction) fission) or sexual

Mode of Some are autotrophs, Must hijack host Absorptive heterotrophs Ingestive heterotrophs
Nutrition others heterotrophs cells to reproduce (feed on organic matter) (engulf food)

E. coli, Influenza, HIV, Candida (yeast), Plasmodium

Examples
Streptococcs COVID-19 Aspergillus (mold) (malaria), Amoeba
Diseases Tuberculosis, Strep Common cold, Athlete’s foot, Ringworm, Malaria, Giardiasis,
Cause throat, Pneumonia HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 Candidiasis Sleeping sickness
Antiviral drugs Antifungal Antiprotozoal
Treatment Antibiotics (limited effectiveness) medications drugs
Thank you!
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