What is a Cell?
Definition: The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms
Importance: Cells perform all life processes, such as growth, reproduction, and energy
production
Types:
● Prokaryotic Cells: Simple, no nucleus, smaller (e.g., bacteria, archaea)
● Eukaryotic Cells: Complex, have a nucleus, larger (e.g., plant, animal, fungal cells)
Cell Theory
● Principles:
1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of life.
3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
● Significance: Established by Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow; forms the
foundation of modern biology.
Key Features of Cells
● Cell Membrane:
○ Semi-permeable barrier that controls what enters and exits the cell.
○ Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
● Cytoplasm:
○ Jelly-like fluid inside the cell membrane where organelles are suspended.
○ Site of many cellular processes.
● DNA:
○ Genetic material that contains instructions for cell functions.
○ In prokaryotes: Found in the cytoplasm (nucleoid region).
○ In eukaryotes: Stored in the nucleus.
Prokaryotic Cell Structure
Characteristics:
○ No membrane-bound organelles.
○ Smaller (1-10 micrometers).
○ Single circular DNA molecule.
Components:
○ Cell Wall: Provides structure and protection (made of peptidoglycan in
bacteria).
○ Plasma Membrane: Regulates substance movement.
○ Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins (smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes).
○ Flagella/Pili (optional): For movement or attachment.
Eukaryotic Cell Structure
● Characteristics:
○ Contain membrane-bound organelles.
○ Larger (10-100 micrometers).
○ Linear DNA organized into chromosomes.
● Key Organelles:
○ Nucleus:
■ Stores DNA and controls cell activities (e.g., gene expression, cell
division).
■ Surrounded by a nuclear membrane with pores.
○ Mitochondria:
■ "Powerhouse" of the cell.
■ Produces ATP via cellular respiration.
■ Has its own DNA and double membrane.
○ Ribosomes:
■ Synthesize proteins using mRNA instructions.
■ Found free in cytoplasm or attached to rough ER.
○ Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
■ Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes, synthesizes and modifies
proteins.
■ Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids, detoxifies substances.
○ Golgi Apparatus:
■ Modifies, packages, and ships proteins and lipids in vesicles.
○ Lysosomes:
■ Contain enzymes to break down waste, damaged organelles, or
pathogens.
○ Peroxisomes:
■ Break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.
○ Cytoskeleton:
■ Network of protein fibers (microtubules, microfilaments) for structure,
movement, and transport.
○ Centrioles (animal cells):
■ Aid in cell division (form spindle fibers).
○ Chloroplasts (plant cells):
■ Site of photosynthesis, contain chlorophyll to capture light.
○ Cell Wall (plant cells, fungi):
■ Provides rigidity and support (made of cellulose in plants, chitin in
fungi).
○ Vacuoles:
■ Large in plant cells for storage and maintaining turgor pressure;
smaller in animal cells.
Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells
● Plant Cells:
○ Have cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuole.
○ Box-like shape due to cell wall.
● Animal Cells:
○ No cell wall or chloroplasts, smaller vacuoles.
○ Flexible shape, often rounded.
Cell Functions
● Metabolism: Chemical reactions to sustain life (e.g., energy production, molecule
synthesis).
● Homeostasis: Maintaining internal balance (e.g., regulating pH, temperature).
● Growth and Division: Cells grow and divide via mitosis to form new cells.
● Communication: Cells signal to each other using chemical signals (e.g., hormones,
neurotransmitters).
● Transport:
○ Passive Transport: Movement without energy (e.g., diffusion, osmosis).
○ Active Transport: Movement requiring energy (e.g., sodium-potassium
pump).
Key Terms
● Organelle: Specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions.
● ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, the cell’s energy currency.
● Nucleoid: Region in prokaryotes where DNA is located.
● Selectively Permeable: Property of cell membrane allowing certain substances to
pass.
