Class - Ix

Chapter - 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.

Explore the cell notes to know what is a cell, cell definition, cell structure, types and
functions of cells. These notes have an in-depth description of all the concepts related to
cells.

Cell Definition
“A cell is defined as the smallest, basic unit of life that is responsible for all of life’s
processes.”

¤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.

¤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.

¤ 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

Main article: 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 generally reproduce by binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction.
They are also known to use conjugation – which is often seen as the prokaryotic
equivalent to sexual reproduction (however, it is NOT sexual reproduction).

Eukaryotic Cells

Main article: 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 permits 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

¤ The nuclear membrane protects the nucleus by forming a boundary between the nucleus
and other cell organelles.

¤ The nuclear membrane protects the nucleus by forming a boundary between the nucleus
and other cell organelles

¤ Chromosomes play a crucial role in determining the sex of an individual. Each human cells
contain 23 pairs of chromosomes

¤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 are called the cell’s post office as it is involved in the transportation of
materials within the cell.

¤Ribosomes are the protein synthesisers of the cell.

¤The mitochondrion is called “the powerhouse of the cell.” It is called so because it produces
ATP – the cell’s energy currency.
¤Lysosomes protect the cell by engulfing the foreign bodies entering the cell and help in cell
renewal. Therefore, they are known as the cell’s suicide bags.

¤Chloroplasts are the primary organelles for photosynthesis. It contains the pigment called
chlorophyll.

Functions of Cell
A cell performs 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.
 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

Functions of Cell
A cell performs 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.