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Cells are the basic units of structure and function that compose all living organisms. Cells have a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and organelles that allow them to carry out essential functions like metabolism, reproduction, homeostasis, and communication to maintain life.

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9 views

Notes

Cells are the basic units of structure and function that compose all living organisms. Cells have a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and organelles that allow them to carry out essential functions like metabolism, reproduction, homeostasis, and communication to maintain life.

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uscribdk
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Topic: Cell Structure and Function

Introduction to Cells:
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms.
All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which carry out
essential functions necessary for life.

Cell Theory:
The cell theory is a fundamental principle of biology, consisting of three
main tenets:
All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in organisms.
Cells arise from pre-existing cells through cell division.

Types of Cells:
Prokaryotic Cells: Simple cells lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles. Examples include bacteria and archaea.
Eukaryotic Cells: Complex cells with a membrane-bound nucleus and
organelles. Examples include plant, animal, fungal, and protist cells.

Cell Structure:
Plasma Membrane: Phospholipid bilayer that separates the cell's interior
from its external environment, regulating the passage of substances in and out of
the cell.
Cytoplasm: Gel-like substance within the cell that houses organelles and
cellular structures.
Nucleus: Membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material
(DNA) and controls cellular activities.
Organelles: Specialized structures within eukaryotic cells that carry out
specific functions, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus,
mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

Cell Function:
Metabolism: Cells carry out metabolic processes such as cellular
respiration, photosynthesis (in plant cells), and protein synthesis.
Reproduction: Cells reproduce through cell division, either by mitosis
(producing identical daughter cells) or meiosis (producing gametes for sexual
reproduction).
Homeostasis: Cells maintain internal balance by regulating their internal
environment, such as pH, temperature, and ion concentrations.
Communication: Cells communicate with one another through chemical signals,
allowing coordination of cellular activities and responses to external stimuli.

Cell Specialization:
Different types of cells within an organism are specialized to perform
specific functions, contributing to the overall structure and function of tissues,
organs, and organ systems.
Examples of specialized cells include red blood cells (transporting
oxygen), nerve cells (transmitting electrical signals), and muscle cells
(contracting for movement).

Importance of Cells:
Understanding cell structure and function is essential for comprehending
biological processes, health, disease, and advances in biotechnology and medicine.

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