Cell

Cells are the basic, fundamental unit of life.
So, if we were to break apart

an organism to the cellular level, the smallest independent component that
we would find would be the cell.
What is a Cell? Cell Definition
Discovery Characteristics Of Cel

ls
Cell Structure Types Of Cells
Cell Theory Functions Of A Cell

Cells are the fundamental unit of life. They range in size from 0.0001 mm to
nearly 150 mm across
Cell Definition
“A cell is defined as the smallest, basic unit of life that is responsible for all of
life’s processes.”
Cells are the structural, functional, and biological units of all living beings. A
cell can replicate itself independently. Hence, they are known as the building
blocks of life.
Each cell contains a fluid called the cytoplasm, which is enclosed by a
membrane. Also present in the cytoplasm are several biomolecules like proteins,
nucleic acids and lipids. Moreover, cellular structures called cell organelles are
suspended in the cytoplasm.
What is a Cell?
A cell is the structural and fundamental unit of life. The study of cells from its basic structure to the
functions of every cell organelle is called Cell Biology. Robert Hooke was the first Biologist who
discovered cells.
•All organisms are made up of cells. They may be made up of a single cell (unicellular), or many cells
(multicellular). Mycoplasmas are the smallest known cells. Cells are the building blocks of all living
beings. They provide structure to the body and convert the nutrients taken from the food into energy.
•Cells are complex and their components perform various functions in an organism. They are of different
shapes and sizes, pretty much like bricks of the buildings. Our body is made up of cells of different shapes
and sizes.
•Cells are the lowest level of organisation in every life form. From organism to organism, the count of
cells may vary. Humans have the number of cells compared to that of bacteria.
•Cells comprise several cell organelles that perform specialised functions to carry out life processes. Every
organelle has a specific structure. The hereditary material of the organisms is also present in the cell s.
Discovery of Cells
Discovery of cells is one of the remarkable advancements in the field of science. It helps us know that all
the organisms are made up of cells, and these cells help in carrying out various life processes. The
structure and functions of cells helped us to understand life in a better way.
Who discovered cells?
Robert Hooke discovered the cell in 1665. Robert Hooke observed a piece of bottle cork under a
compound microscope and noticed minuscule structures that reminded him of small rooms. Consequently,
he named these “rooms” as cells. However, his compound microscope had limited magnification, and
hence, he could not see any details in the structure. Owing to this limitation, Hooke concluded that these
were non-living entities.
Later Anton Van Leeuwenhoek observed cells under another compound microscope with higher
magnification. This time, he had noted that the cells exhibited some form of movement (motility). As a
result, Leeuwenhoek concluded that these microscopic entities were “alive.” Eventually, after a host of
other observations, these entities were named as animalcules.
In 1883, Robert Brown, a Scottish botanist, provided the very first insights into the cell structure. He was
able to describe the nucleus present in the cells of orchids.
Characteristics of Cells
Following are the various essential characteristics of cells:
•Cells provide structure and support to the body of an organism.
•The cell interior is organised into different individual organelles surrounded by a separate
membrane.
•The nucleus (major organelle) holds genetic information necessary for reproduction and cell
growth.
•Every cell has one nucleus and membrane-bound organelles in the cytoplasm.
•Mitochondria, a double membrane-bound organelle is mainly responsible for the energy
transactions vital for the survival of the cell.
•Lysosomes digest unwanted materials in the cell.
•Endoplasmic reticulum plays a significant role in the internal organisation of the cell by
synthesising selective molecules and processing, directing and sorting them to their appropriate
locations.
Types of Cells
Cells are similar to factories with different labourers and departments that work towards a
common objective. Various types of cells perform different functions. Based on cellular
structure, there are two types of cells:
•Prokaryotes
•Eukaryotes
Prokaryotic Cells
1.Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus. Instead, some prokaryotes such as bacteria have a region
within the cell where the genetic material is freely suspended. This region is called the nucleoid.
2.They all are single-celled microorganisms. Examples include archaea, bacteria, and
cyanobacteria.
3.The cell size ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 µm in diameter.
4.The hereditary material can either be DNA or RNA.
5.Prokaryotes reproduce by binary fission, a form of sexual reproduction.
Eukaryotic Cells
1.Eukaryotic cells are characterised by a true nucleus.
2.The size of the cells ranges between 10–100 µm in diameter.
3.This broad category involves plants, fungi, protozoans, and animals.
4.The plasma membrane is responsible for monitoring the transport of
nutrients and electrolytes in and out of the cells. It is also responsible
for cell to cell communication.
5.They reproduce sexually as well as asexually.
6.There are some contrasting features between plant and animal cells.
For eg., the plant cell contains chloroplast, central vacuoles, and other
plastids, whereas the animal cells do not.
Cell Structure
The cell structure comprises individual components with specific functions essential to carry out life’s
processes. These components include- cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles.
Read on to explore more insights on cell structure and function.
Cell Membrane
•The cell membrane supports and protects the cell. It controls the movement of substances in and out of
the cells. It separates the cell from the external environment. The cell membrane is present in all the cells.
•The cell membrane is the outer covering of a cell within which all other organelles, such as the cytoplasm
and nucleus, are enclosed. It is also referred to as the plasma membrane.
•By structure, it is a porous membrane (with pores) which permit the movement of selective substances in
and out of the cell. Besides this, the cell membrane also protects the cellular component from damage and
leakage.
•It forms the wall-like structure between two cells as well as between the cell and its surroundings.
•Plants are immobile, so their cell structures are well-adapted to protect them from external factors. The
cell wall helps to reinforce this function.
Cell Wall
•The cell wall is the most prominent part of the plant’s cell structure. It is made up of
cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin.
•The cell wall is present exclusively in plant cells. It protects the plasma membrane and other
cellular components. The cell wall is also the outermost layer of plant cells.
•It is a rigid and stiff structure surrounding the cell membrane.
•It provides shape and support to the cells and protects them from mechanical shocks and
injuries.
Cytoplasm
•The cytoplasm is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance present inside the cell membrane.
•Most of the chemical reactions within a cell take place in this cytoplasm.
•The cell organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, mitochondria, ribosomes, are
suspended in this cytoplasm.
Nucleus
•The nucleus contains the hereditary material of the cell, the DNA.
•It sends signals to the cells to grow, mature, divide and die.
•The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope that separates the DNA from the
rest of the cell.
•The nucleus protects the DNA and is an integral component of a plant’s cell
structure.
Cell Organelles
Cells are composed of various cell organelles that perform certain specific functions
to carry out life’s processes. The different cell organelles, along with its principal
functions, are as follows:
Cell Organelle and its Functions
Nucleolus
The nucleolus is the site of ribosome synthesis. Also, it is involved in controlling cellular activities and cellular
reproduction
Nuclear membrane
The nuclear membrane protects the nucleus by forming a boundary between the nucleus and other cell organelles.
Chromosomes
Chromosomes play a crucial role in determining the sex of an individual. Each human cells contain 23 pairs of
chromosomes
Endoplasmic reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the transportation of substances throughout the cell. It plays a primary role
in the metabolism of carbohydrates, synthesis of lipids, steroids and proteins.
Golgi Bodies
Golgi bodies are called the cell’s post office as it is involved in the transportation of materials within the cell
Ribosome
Ribosomes are the protein synthesisers of the cell
Mitochondria
The mitochondrion is called “the powerhouse of the cell.” It is called so because it produces ATP – the cell’s energy
currency
Lysosomes
Lysosomes protect the cell by engulfing the foreign bodies entering the cell and helps in cell renewal. Therefore, it is
known as the cell’s suicide bags
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are the primary organelles for photosynthesis. It contains the pigment chlorophyll
Vacuoles
Vacuoles stores food, water, and other waste materials in the cell
Cell Theory
Cell Theory was proposed by the German scientists, Theodor Schwann, Matthias
Schleiden, and Rudolf Virchow. The cell theory states that:
•All living species on Earth are composed of cells.
•A cell is the basic unit of life.
•All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
A modern version of the cell theory was eventually formulated, and it contains the
following postulates:
•Energy flows within the cells.
•Genetic information is passed on from one cell to the other.
•The chemical composition of all the cells is the same.
Functions of Cell
A cell performs these major functions essential for the growth and development of an organism. Important functions of cell
are as follows:
Provides Support and Structure

All the organisms are made up of cells. They form the structural basis of all the organisms. The cell wall and the cell
membrane are the main components that function to provide support and structure to the organism. For eg., the skin is made
up of a large number of cells. Xylem present in the vascular plants is made of cells that provide structural support to the
plants.
Facilitate Growth Mitosis

In the process of mitosis, the parent cell divides into the daughter cells. Thus, the cells multiply and facilitate the growth in
an organism.
Allows Transport of Substances

Various nutrients are imported by the cells to carry out various chemical processes going on inside the cells. The waste
produced by the chemical processes is eliminated from the cells by active and passive transport. Small molecules such as
oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethanol diffuse across the cell membrane along the concentration gradient. This is known as
passive transport. The larger molecules diffuse across the cell membrane through active transport where the cells require a
lot of energy to transport the substances.

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Cells are the basic, fundamental unit of life.

So, if we were to break apart

What is a Cell? Cell Definition

Discovery Characteristics Of Cel

Cell Theory Functions Of A Cell

Provides Support and Structure

Facilitate Growth Mitosis

Allows Transport of Substances

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