Reviewer: Cells in Biology
o Cells are the basic unit of life.
o Every living organism, from the simplest bacteria to complex
humans, is made up of one or more cells.
o Cells carry out all the essential processes of life such as
metabolism, energy conversion, growth, reproduction, and
response to stimuli. The study of cells is called cell biology or
cytology.
The Cell Theory
The modern Cell Theory is one of the foundations of biology.
It was developed in the 19th century through the work of scientists
such as Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow.
1. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living
organisms.
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells through cell division.
4. Cells carry genetic information (DNA), which is passed on to
daughter cells during division.
5. Energy flow (metabolism) occurs within cells.
Types of Cells
Cells can be classified into two main categories:
1. Prokaryotic Cells
- Do not have a true nucleus (their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm).
- Lack membrane-bound organelles.
2. Eukaryotic Cells
- Found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
- Have a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
Basic Structures of a Cell
Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane)
Semi-permeable barrier that surrounds the cell.
Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Made up of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
Cytoplasm
Jelly-like fluid inside the cell where organelles are found.
Site of many chemical reactions.
Nucleus (in eukaryotes)
Control center of the cell.
Contains DNA, which stores genetic information.
Surrounded by a nuclear envelope with pores that allow exchange
of materials.
Organelles in Eukaryotic Cells
Mitochondria – powerhouse of the cell, site of cellular respiration
and ATP production.
Ribosomes – small structures where proteins are synthesized.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
o Rough ER: has ribosomes, synthesizes proteins.
o Smooth ER: no ribosomes, synthesizes lipids and detoxifies
chemicals.
Golgi Apparatus – modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for
secretion or use.
Lysosomes – contain digestive enzymes that break down waste,
old organelles, and macromolecules.
Chloroplasts (in plant cells) – site of photosynthesis, contains the
green pigment chlorophyll.
Vacuoles – storage sacs for water, nutrients, and waste. In plants,
the central vacuole helps maintain shape.
Cytoskeleton – network of microtubules and microfilaments that
support the cell’s shape and help with movement.
Cell Wall (plants, fungi, bacteria only)
Provides support, structure, and protection.
In plants, made of cellulose.
Cellular Processes
Photosynthesis – occurs in plant cells (chloroplasts); converts light
energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Cellular respiration – occurs in mitochondria; breaks down
glucose to release ATP (energy).
Protein synthesis – DNA → RNA → Protein (occurs in nucleus,
ribosomes, ER, and Golgi apparatus).
Cell division – processes by which cells reproduce.
o Mitosis: produces identical daughter cells for growth and
repair.
o Meiosis: produces sex cells (gametes) with half the number
of chromosomes, essential for reproduction.
