Scribd
Upload
5 views5 pages

Cell Structure Full Lecture Notes

Cell theory states that all living things are made of cells, which are the basic unit of life, and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic, which lack a nucleus and organelles, and eukaryotic, which have a defined nucleus and various organelles with specialized functions. Additionally, plant cells have unique structures like cell walls and chloroplasts, while the cell membrane regulates transport mechanisms through passive and active processes.

Uploaded by

paul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views5 pages

Cell Structure Full Lecture Notes

Cell theory states that all living things are made of cells, which are the basic unit of life, and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic, which lack a nucleus and organelles, and eukaryotic, which have a defined nucleus and various organelles with specialized functions. Additionally, plant cells have unique structures like cell walls and chloroplasts, while the cell membrane regulates transport mechanisms through passive and active processes.

Uploaded by

paul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Cell Structure - Introduction to Cell Theory

Cell theory is one of the fundamental principles of biology, stating:

- All living things are composed of one or more cells

- The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms

- All cells come from pre-existing cells

The development of microscopes allowed scientists to discover cells and understand their structures.
Cell Structure - Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Examples: Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and various organelles. Found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Feature Prokaryotic Eukaryotic

Nucleus No Yes

Organelles Few Many

Size ~1-10 m ~10-100 m


Cell Structure - Organelles and Their Functions

Eukaryotic cells contain organelles with specialized functions. These include:

- Nucleus: Stores DNA and controls cell activities

- Mitochondria: Site of aerobic respiration, produces ATP

- Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough and Smooth): Protein and lipid synthesis

- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins

- Lysosomes: Break down waste and cellular debris

- Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis

Each organelle plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis.


Cell Structure - Plant vs Animal Cells

Plant cells contain additional structures compared to animal cells:

- Cell wall: Provides rigidity and structural support

- Chloroplasts: Site of photosynthesis

- Large central vacuole: Stores water, nutrients, and waste

These differences enable plants to produce their own food and maintain structure.
Cell Structure - Cell Membrane and Transport Mechanisms

The cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. It is selectively permeable.

- Passive Transport: No energy required

- - Diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration

- - Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a membrane

- - Facilitated diffusion: Uses transport proteins

- Active Transport: Requires energy (ATP)

- - Moves substances against the concentration gradient

- - Examples: Sodium-potassium pump, endocytosis, exocytosis

You might also like