Note 1 Cell Basic Unit of Life
Note 1 Cell Basic Unit of Life
Key Points:
- All living organisms are made up of cells.
- A cell is the smallest unit of life, discovered by Robert Hooke.
- Two types of organisms:
- Unicellular: Single-celled organisms (e.g., Amoeba)
- Multicellular: Many cells (e.g., humans, plants)
- Cell structure includes:
- Cell membrane – outer layer, controls entry/exit
- Nucleus – brain of the cell
- Cytoplasm – jelly-like substance
- Plant cells have an additional cell wall and chloroplasts.
Additional Points:
- Types of cells:
- Prokaryotic cells: No well-defined nucleus (e.g., bacteria)
- Eukaryotic cells: Have a nucleus (e.g., plant and animal cells)
- Organelles:
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell (produces energy)
- Chloroplasts: Found in plant cells, help in photosynthesis
- Vacuoles: Store water, food, and waste
- Plant cells are usually rectangular, while animal cells are round or irregular.