Premium Essay

Cell

In:

Submitted By Malardo123
Words 523
Pages 3
Why We Study the Cell and Its Components

The cell is the basic unit of all living organisms. Some organisms like bacteria have only one cell while other organisms are multi cellular. It is important to study the cell and its components because it enables understanding of our own life and opens up windows of opportunity for the future generations. Understanding cells and their component functions allows for better understanding of disease and the possibility of cures or better treatment options. Biologists study the cell in healthy and diseased states to develop new vaccines, medicines, plants with improved qualities and to gain a better understanding of how all living things live. The study of cells and its components is also helpful in solving crimes through forensic science. In biotechnology, the study of cells is used to clone plants and animals, and with time possibly for the production of organs.

In studying cells it is important to know what organism the cell comes from. There are two types of cells, the prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The prokaryotic were the first type of cells to evolve. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus; bacteria are the best known prokaryotic cells. Organisms that contain eukaryotic cells include fungi, animals, and plants as well as some unicellular organisms. The eukaryotic cell is much bigger and contains membrane bound compartments where metabolic activities take place.

The components of the cell include, plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, cytoplasm, genetic material, organelles, nucleus, ribosome, mitochondria and chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum and the golgi apparatus. The plasma membrane serves to separate and protect a cell from its surrounding environment and is made mostly from a double layer of proteins and lipids, fat-like molecules. The cytoskeleton is unique to eukaryotic cells and serves both as a muscle and

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Cells

...Cells Assessment- Second Sitting 2015-6 Watch the short video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpj0emEGShQ (see footnote ), then answer the following question 1. Type your answers into the boxes 1) a) What substance are the “yellow, little knobby things” called “Keys” on the virus made of? ------------------------------------------------- These are made of proteins 1.2 b) The narrator says the “keys” fit into locks”. Do eukaryotes and prokaryotes have similar “locks” and where are they found? ------------------------------------------------- 1.2 c) Specifically what type of substance are these “locks” in eukaryotes made of? ------------------------------------------------- Cell membrane. 1.2 d) “If the lock fits, the cell welcomes the virus in.” Name the transport process by which the cell takes the virus in. ------------------------------------------------- Endocytosis. 2.1 e) Name the structure in the host cell that is described as the “welcoming committee, that pulls the virus deeper into the cell” ------------------------------------------------- The cytoplasm. 1.1 f) Name the organelles...

Words: 606 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cell

...Plant Cell Organelles and Their Functions BIO 204 Cell Animation. 1) Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is flattened sacs involved in storing, modifying, and secreting proteins and lipids. 2) Chloroplast: The chloroplast contains green chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain their own deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules. a) Outer membrane: The chloroplast’s outer membrane is permeable to most ions. b) Intermembrane space: The intermembrane space separates the outer and inner membranes. c) Innermembrane: The innermembrane is specialized and permeable to specific transport proteins. d) Stroma: The stroma is the area of the chloroplast where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose during the light’s independent reactions of photosynthesis. e) Lamellae: Lamellae are connective strands between grana. f) Thykaloid disk: Each thykaloid disk contains chlorophyll, which is the pigment involved in capturing sunlight for photosynthesis. g) Granum (plural grana): Stacks of thykaloid disks where ATP is produced during photosynthesis. 3) Mitochondrion (plural mitochondria): The mitochondrion converts stored glucose into ATP during aerobic respiration. ATP is the energy molecule found in all life forms and is necessary for biochemical reactions in cells. 4) Cell wall: The cell wall is the cellulose...

Words: 447 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Cell to Cell Communication

...Kaishea White Period: 3 01.12.14 IB Biology Cell To Cell Communication Unicellular and multicellular organisms need to sense their environment in order to survive. Unicellular organisms need to be able to differentiate between poisonous foods and to avoid predators. Cells release chemical messengers to communicate. They communicate either by paracrine signaling or gap junctions. Local signaling in animals is called paracrine signaling. While gap junction is the direct contact between cells. There are principles of cell signaling where the cells convert signals that carry information and then attach to one another. A target cell detects the signal that the cell releases during the communication of the cells. Animals have factors that contribute to their communication that include direct contact, growth factors, or neurotransmitters. The growth factors and neurotransmitters are what secrete the local regulators. Meaning that they separate the local regulators. There are 3 stages of cell signaling; reception, transduction, and response. In the first stage, reception, the target cell senses the signaling molecule in the exterior. During the second stage, transduction, the signal is converted and formed to do a specific function. The final stage, response, is where the specific function is carried out. In reception a signal molecule binds to a receptor protein and that causes it to change shape. The most important stage in the...

Words: 369 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Cells

...Structures in All Eukaryotic Cells We're going to start with eukaryotic cells even though they tend to be more complex than prokaryotic. But, there is a method to our madness: you are a eukaryote and have eukaryotic cells, so we thought you might relate better. And, eukaryotic comes before prokaryotic alphabetically. Come up with whatever reasons you want for it, but eukaryotes are up first. Tough cookies. Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Function A cell is defined as eukaryotic if it has a membrane-bound nucleus. Any organism composed of eukaryotic cells is also considered a eukaryotic organism. Case in point: You. Biologists do not know of any single organism on Earth that is composed of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. However, many different types of prokaryotic cells, usually bacteria, can live inside larger eukaryotic organisms. Creepy, but true. We humans, for example, have trillions of bacteria living in our colons, not to mention in our mouths and stomachs and small intestines and…you get the picture. Despite the fact that we have gobs of prokaryotic cells living inside and on us, humans are still categorically eukaryotic organisms. Deal with it. This means that all human cells, including those found in the brain, the heart, the muscles, and so on, are also eukaryotic. Here is what one of these little guys looks like: OK, we are slightly impressed. That is a lot of stuff jam-packed into something we can't see too well with the naked eye. All of...

Words: 1363 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Cell

...www.asbiology101.wordpress.com An introduction to the microscope and magnification MAGNIFICATION AND RESOLUTION Because cells are too small to be seen with the naked eye, the light microscope was developed to produce enlarged and more detailed images of cells. The magnification of an image is how much bigger it appears under the microscope than it is in real life, and is worked out using the following formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size unit metre decimetre centimetre millimetre micrometre nanometre picometre symbol m dm cm mm μm nm pm metres 1 0.1 0.01 0.001 0.000 001 0.000 000 001 0.000 000 000 01 However, magnification on its own does not increase the level of detail seen, it just increases the size. The term resolution refers to the ability to see two distinct points separately. For example, if the resolution of a light microscope is 200nm (0.2μm), this means it can see any two different points as separate objects if they are 200nm apart or more; but if they are any closer than this amount, they appear as one object. THE LIGHT MICROSCOPE Light microscopes use a number of lenses to produce an image that can be viewed directly at the eyepiece. Light passes from a bulb under the stage, through a condenser lens and then through the specimen. This beam of light is passed through an objective lens and then the eyepiece lens. The light microscope usually has a number of objective lenses which can be rotated into position...

Words: 8313 - Pages: 34

Premium Essay

Cell

...Animal Cell | Cell functions | Smooth endoplasmic reticulum | associated with the production and metabolism of fats and steroid hormones | Rough endoplasmic reticulum | involved in some protein production, protein folding, quality control and despatch. | Nuclear envelope | surrounds the nucleus with a double membrane with multiple pores. | Chromatin | Mass of genetic material composed of DNA and proteins that condense to form chromosomes during eukaryotic cell division. | Nucleolus | A small, typically round granular body composed of protein and RNA in the nucleus of a cell. It is usually associated with a specific chromosomal site and involved in ribosomal RNA synthesis and the formation of ribosomes. | Ribosomes | Ribosomes are cell organelles that consist of RNA and proteins. They are responsible for assembling the proteins of the cell. | Golgi apparatus | a cell structure mainly devoted to processing the proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). | Mitochondrion | which is to generate large quantities of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). | Plasma membrane | forms a stable barrier between two aqueous compartments | Microfilament | involved in cytoplasmic movement and changes in cell shape. | Intermediate filament | to reinforce cells and to organize cells into tissues | Microtubule | involved in nuceic and cell division, organization of intracellular structure, and intracellular transport...

Words: 262 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Cell

...The structure and functions of Cell The purpose of this report is to explain the structure and functions of Cell. Cell is the basic unit of life and it contains other membrane-bound organelles structures that carry out specific functions necessary for normal cellular operation. Organelles have a wide range of roles and functions that include everything from producing hormones and enzymes to providing energy for Cells. Organelles Location Structure Functions Nucleus Centre - Nucleus is spherical in shape - Nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear envelope - Nucleus is separated from cytoplasm by double membrane - It functions as an intermediary when DNA replication is taking place during cell cycle. - It contains hereditary materials DNA and RNA - It directs activities of the cell such as growth, metabolism and reproduction. - It create different type of RNA from DNA in the process called Transcription - It is control centre of the cell Nucleolus Inside the Nucleus (Centre) - It is spherical in shape - It is made of Protein and RNA - It helps in synthesis of Ribosome - It helps in assembly of signal recognition particles in the cell - It helps in sensing stress in the cell Golgi body They are found in Cytoplasm of the cell - It is sac-like - It comprises stacks of membrane structure - It is involve in movement of Lipid molecules around the cell - It helps in process and package of macromolecules e.g. Protein - It modifies protein after Endoplasmic Reticulum prepared ...

Words: 614 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cells

...Cell Structure and Function AbstractThis report is about cell structure and function. The cell is the basic unit of life. All living things are madeof cells. By doing this lab, I hoped to learn how a cell looked and how it functioned. I also wanted toknow the differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells Introduction The concept of this lab is producing a replica of an animal cell, and a plant cell. Producing the models of the cells helps to provide a better understanding of each cell and its contents also, to explore thedifferences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Cell theory states that all cells reproduce new cells,while passing their genetic information. In addition, cells make up all living things, metabolize energyand that the chemical make-up of cells is similar. The objectives for this lab are to gather the materials,which include gelatin packs, plastic bags, water, Tupperware, bowls, and some small various householditems. The other objectives are preparing the gelatin as directed, gathering the household items that willserve as cell organelles, pouring the gelatin in the bag and placing the items in the plastic bags. Thenplace the cell replicas in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Results After twenty-four hours, I removed the cell replicas from the refrigerator and observed them. They didnot look exactly like I planed but they were understandable. Discussion Replicating the cell structures provides better understand the structure and...

Words: 403 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Parts of a Cell

...Parts of a Cell There are two types of cells: Image 1 (Kaufman and Thompson) Prokaryotic Cell Image 2 (Kaufman and Thompson) Eukaryotic Cell A prokaryotic (pro- before; karyotic-nucleus or before the egg) cell does not have a true nucleus. A eukaryotic (eu- true; karyotic- nucleus) cell has a nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane. Let’s start with the CELL MEMBRANE Image 3 (Hese) Pretend the cell is a house. The cell membrane is just like the fence and gate around the house. It says what enters and exits the property just like a cell membrane decides what enters and exits a cell. It’s what separates the inside and outside of a cell just like a fence separates a home’s yard from other yards. Next, let’s talk about RIBOSOMES Image 4 (Hickman) Ribosomes are like little protein making factories inside the cell. They make proteins for the cell and proteins that can be moved outside the cell for work somewhere else in the body. Next up, the NUCLEUS and NUCLEOLUS (eukaryotic cells only) Image 5 (Creative Commons) The nucleus contains the genetic material of the cell, or the DNA. It controls what kind of cell the cell will become as well as the cell itself. It’s kind of like the brain of the cell. The nucleolus is in the center of the nucleus and it is where ribosomes are made and assembled. On to the ROUGH and SMOOTH ER (endoplasmic reticulum) Image 6 (Cronodon) ...

Words: 1025 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cell Membrane

...Cell membrane - forms the outer covering of the cell, and is semi-permeable. Cytoplasm - is a gel-like matrix where all the other cell organelles are suspended inside the cell. Nucleus - contains the hereditary material DNA and directs the activities of the cell. Centrioles - organize the microtubules assembly during cell division. Endoplasmic Reticulum - are a network of membranes composed of rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Golgi complex - is responsible for storing, packaging of cellular products. Lysosomes - are enzyme sacs, that digest cellular wastes. Microtubules - are hollow rods, function primarily as support and shape to the cell. Mitochondria - is the site for cellular respiration and producers of energy. Ribosomes - are made of RNA and proteins, and are sites for protein synthesis. Nucleolus - is the structure within the nucleus and helps in synthesis of ribosomes. Nucleopore - is the tiny hole in the nuclear membrane, allows the movement of nucleic acids and proteins in/out of the cell Cell wall is the outermost rigid covering of the plant cell. It is a salient feature of plant cell. Cell membrane or the plasma membrane is the outer lining of the cell inside the cell wall. Cytosol or cytoplasm is the gel-like matrix inside the cell membrane which constitutes all other cell organelles. Nucleus is the control center of the cell. It is a membrane bound structure which contains the...

Words: 302 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Cell Essay

...Cell Essay This is my essay for converting a cell into a city. I started out with creating a cell wall. I made a Nordic wall of stone to protect the city. Next I did the cell membrane which I transformed into a draw bridge to fit the theme. For the cytoplasm I put grass because it makes up the shapes of the cell/city. The next big project was the chloroplast which I turned into solar panels and smokestacks because it takes in sunlight and releases CO2. On the inside I put greens and vines. The hardest part to do was the nucleus and nucleolus. For the nucleus I created a town hall because it is the control center. For the nucleolus I used it as an office in the nucleus that contains books or genetic information and a cake shop because the nucleolus produces ribosomes and the cakes represent the ribosomes. Next was the mitocandria, or the power plant of the cell. I created four tall windmills because they use the wind to produce power to the entire city. I represented the golgi apparatus with a UPS or packaging device that can package, deliver, etc. The lysosome was the sanitary service or garbage disposal that has garbage cans and other stuff like sinks and supplies. The vacuole gave me some trouble but I finally decided to make it a storage locker that stores and holds waste and nutrients. The Endoplasmic Reticulum was tricky but I remembered that it transports ribosomes so I made minecarts and tracks to represent it. The last thing was its rectangular shape which was easy...

Words: 285 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Cell Division In The Cell

...Cell division is the basic of reproduction for all living things. It is important and indeed in all living organisms. It enables the multicellular organisms to grow until the adult size, when the cell division plays role in reproducing cell into more new cells. Besides, cell division also replaces the worn-out or damaged cells in order to maintain the total cells numbers in a mature individual relatively constant. For instance is, there are millions of cells in human’s body will divide themselves every second, keeping the total number of them in about 100 trillion (Campbell, Reece, Taylor, Simon & Dickey, 2012). Process of cell division is a main component of the cell cycle. A cell cycle is known as an ordered sequence of events that extends...

Words: 1245 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cell Anatomy

...Eukaryotic cells are not all the same size as seen by comparing the size of the cheek cell to the size of a fungi cell. This can also be observed in just the cells of the different kingdoms of eukaryotes: protists, fungi, plants, and animals. 4. As seen in the elodea cell it is possible to see the cell wall, chloroplasts, central vacuole, and nucleus in plant cells as well as the plasma membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm within animal cells. 5. In all of the cells it was possible to see a plasma membrane (clearly observed in the bacteria) that surrounds all cells and provides a barrier between the inside of the cell and the environment, cytoplasm that surrounds the chemicals and structures of a cell (example paramecium), as well as the small size of cells so the surface area and volume are proportional to each other to help maximize the efficiency of the cells. 6. In eukaryotic cell there is a nucleus present versus only the presence of genetic material in prokaryotic cells (example in cheek cell). Eukaryotic cells also have membrane bound organelles which allow compartmentalization within cells allowing eukaryotic cells to specialize (example seen in the elodea cells). Eukaryotic cells much larger than the size of prokaryotic cells (bacteria versus paramecium). 7. On a cellular level, the trend toward complexity is observed in the direction of increasing specialization. Starting with some of the most basic units of life seen in the bacteria cells there is only...

Words: 410 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Human Cell

...used to produce proteins, which are the complex molecules that do most of the work in our bodies Cell wall definition. The rigid outer covering of a typical human cell, composed mainly of cellulose and lying outside the cell membrane. Cell wall definition. The rigid outer covering of a typical human cell, composed mainly of cellulose and lying outside the cell membrane. Definition of Plasma membrane. All cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane. The membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer arranged back-to-back. The membrane is also covered in places with cholesterol molecules and proteins. The plasma membrane is selectively permeable and regulates which molecules are allowed to enter and exit the cell. Definition of Plasma membrane. All cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane. The membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer arranged back-to-back. The membrane is also covered in places with cholesterol molecules and proteins. The plasma membrane is selectively permeable and regulates which molecules are allowed to enter and exit the cell. Human cells have a membrane that holds the contents together. However, this membrane is not just a sack. It has receptors that identify the cell to other cells. The receptors also react to substances produced in the body and to drugs taken into the body, selectively allowing these substances or drugs to enter and leave the cell. Reactions that take place at the receptors...

Words: 998 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Dna and the Cell

...Ferdinand The cell is the basic unit of life for all living things, while the DNA is the design for all passed down characteristics in living things. Both the cell and DNA have been studied and linked to the evolution process. From the beginning of the eukaryote cell unto the prokaryote cell there has been changes and the same goes for DNA. Changes in DNA sequences has contributed to different yet similar species over great periods of time. The cell which first existed in its prokaryote form of bacteria can be divided into two domains, domain Bacteria and domain Archaea. Prokaryotes are organism with a single cell and does not have a nucleus enclosed in a membrane. There are no organelles within the prokaryote cell and it reproduces on its own. This cell can reproduce two daughter cells out of one parent cell by cloning itself. This is done by asexual reproduction or as spores and can multiply into billions of cells without the assistance of other cells. Cells produced by binary fission produce two separate cells and cells produced as spores produce more than two cells at a time. These types of reproduction does transfer genes but they are not replicated between the cells it produces. Each new cell now have the growth potential of the original cell. The Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than the eukaryotic cell (which will be discussed further along) and have great diversity. This cell (prokaryotic) preexisted long before the eukaryotic cell and have a far greater...

Words: 1086 - Pages: 5