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Cell Structure Notes

The document provides an overview of cell structure, emphasizing the importance of understanding cells as the fundamental units of life. It distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, outlines key cell components and organelles, and highlights differences between plant and animal cells. The study of cell structure is essential for comprehending the organization and functions of living organisms.

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14 views3 pages

Cell Structure Notes

The document provides an overview of cell structure, emphasizing the importance of understanding cells as the fundamental units of life. It distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, outlines key cell components and organelles, and highlights differences between plant and animal cells. The study of cell structure is essential for comprehending the organization and functions of living organisms.

Uploaded by

noobydude99
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CELL STRUCTURE

INTRODUCTION

The cell is the fundamental unit of life, often called the "building block" of all living
organisms. All living things, from the simplest bacteria to complex animals and
plants, are made up of cells. Understanding cell structure is essential in biology
because it helps us comprehend how organisms grow, reproduce, and function.

OBJECTIVES OF STUDYING CELL STRUCTURE

• To understand the basic components of cells.


• To learn the functions of different cell organelles.
• To differentiate between plant and animal cells.
• To appreciate the diversity of cell types in living organisms.

TYPES OF CELLS

1. PROKARYOTIC CELLS

• Characteristics:
◦ Lack a true nucleus; DNA is free in the cytoplasm.
◦ Generally smaller and simpler.
◦ Present in bacteria and archaea.
◦ No membrane-bound organelles.

2. EUKARYOTIC CELLS

• Characteristics:
◦ Have a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
◦ Contain membrane-bound organelles.
◦ Found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
CELL COMPONENTS

1. CELL MEMBRANE (PLASMA MEMBRANE)

• Structure: Thin, flexible outer covering.


• Function: Protects the cell, controls entry and exit of substances, and
provides structural support.

2. CYTOPLASM

• Structure: Jelly-like fluid inside the cell.


• Function: Contains organelles and is the site of metabolic activities.

3. NUCLEUS

• Structure: Usually spherical, surrounded by nuclear membrane with pores.


• Function: Controls cell activities and contains genetic material (DNA).

4. ORGANELLES IN EUKARYOTIC CELLS

• Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell; site of energy production.


• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
◦ Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis.
◦ Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids and detoxifies chemicals.
• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.
• Ribosomes: Synthesizes proteins; found free in cytoplasm or attached to
rough ER.
• Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for digestion of waste materials.
• Chloroplasts: Present in plant cells; sites of photosynthesis.
• Vacuoles: Storage sacs; large in plant cells for maintaining turgor pressure.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS

Feature Plant Cell Animal Cell

Cell Wall Present (rigid structure) Absent

Chloroplasts Present (for photosynthesis) Absent

Vacuole Large central vacuole Small or absent


Feature Plant Cell Animal Cell

Shape Usually rectangular or fixed Irregular or round

Centrioles Usually absent Present (in centrosomes)

CONCLUSION

Cell structure is a fascinating aspect of biology that reveals how living organisms
are organized at the microscopic level. While plant and animal cells share many
common features, they also have unique structures suited to their functions.
Studying cells helps us understand life processes and the complexity of the
biological world.

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