"The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all forms of life."
An exploration of the basic structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their cellular components and their role in microbiology.
Cell theory: The fundamental theory that explains the basic structure, function, and behavior of cells.
Prokaryotic cells: The basic features of simple cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells: The complex cells that have a nucleus and numerous membranous organelles with specific functions.
Cell membrane: The outermost layer that separates the cell from its surrounding environment, regulates the exchange of materials, and maintains the integrity of the cell.
Cell wall: The tough, rigid outer layer found in plant cells that provides structural support and protection.
Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance found within cells that contains all the cell's components and performs various functions.
Nucleus: The central control center that contains genetic material and RNA and directs cell activities.
Mitochondria: The organelles that generate ATP through cellular respiration and power the cell.
Endoplasmic reticulum: A series of interconnected flattened sacs that synthesize, modify, and transport proteins and lipids.
Ribosomes: The small granules responsible for protein synthesis and assembly.
Golgi apparatus: The membranous stack involved in the processing, packaging, and secretion of cellular products.
Lysosomes: The membrane-bound organelles involved in the breakdown and clearance of waste products and cellular debris.
Cytoskeleton: The network of filaments that provides structural support, facilitates cell division and movement, and helps maintain cell shape.
Chloroplasts: The organelles found in plant cells that carry out photosynthesis.
Vacuoles: The large fluid-filled sacs in plant cells that provide structural support and store various materials.
Plasmids: The small, circular pieces of DNA found in bacteria that contain additional genetic information.
Flagella and cilia: The whip-like structures that extend from cells and enable movement and sensory functions.
Cell cycle: The complex process that regulates cell growth, division, and death.
Cell signaling: The communication of vital information between cells through various signaling pathways.
Cancer cells: The abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably, infiltrate tissue, and can spread to other parts of the body.
Cell wall: A rigid layer surrounding the cell, providing support and shape to the cell.
Capsule: A protective layer surrounding the bacterial cell, enabling optical microscopy to visualize the cell.
Flagella: Appendages that enable motility, made of protein filaments.
Pili or fimbriae: Fine, hair-like projections on the surface of the bacteria, involved in adherence to surfaces or other bacteria.
Plasma membrane: A thin, selectively permeable layer surrounding the cell, controlling entrance and exit of ions and molecules.
Cytoplasm: A gel-like substance containing all cellular organelles and metabolic pathways.
Ribosomes: Structures composed of RNA and protein, responsible for protein synthesis.
Nucleus: A prominent compartment found only in eukaryotic cells that houses the cell's DNA and controls gene expression.
Mitochondria: Responsible for the cell’s energy supply by breaking down carbohydrates and other organic compounds through cellular respiration.
Endoplasmic Reticulum: A membranous network of tubules and sacs that plays a role in protein and lipid synthesis, and can be either smooth or rough (depending on the presence of ribosomes).
Golgi apparatus: A stacked set of flattened membranes that modifies, sorts, and packages chemicals into vesicles for secretion or transport.
Lysosomes: Membrane-bound organelles responsible for digesting cellular wastes and dead organelles.
Peroxisomes: Membrane-bound organelles involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species.
Bacterial microcompartments: Organelles found only in bacteria that have specialized functions in sequestering metabolic pathways.
Endospores: Highly resistant, dormant forms of bacteria that allow survival in adverse conditions.
"Every cell consists of cytoplasm enclosed within a membrane, and contains many macromolecules such as proteins, DNA and RNA, as well as many small molecules of nutrients and metabolites."
"The term comes from the Latin word cellula meaning 'small room'."
"Cells can acquire specified function and carry out various tasks within the cell such as replication, DNA repair, protein synthesis, and motility."
"Most plant and animal cells are only visible under a light microscope, with dimensions between 1 and 100 micrometres."
"Electron microscopy gives a much higher resolution showing greatly detailed cell structure."
"Organisms can be classified as unicellular (consisting of a single cell such as bacteria) or multicellular (including plants and animals)."
"It has been estimated that the human body contains around 37 trillion (3.72×1013) cells."
"The human brain accounts for around 80 billion of these cells."
"The study of cells and how they work has led to many other studies in related areas of biology, including: discovery of DNA, cancer systems biology, aging and developmental biology."
"Cells were discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665."
"[Robert Hooke] named them for their resemblance to cells inhabited by Christian monks in a monastery."
"Cell theory, first developed in 1839 by Matthias Jakob Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, states that all organisms are composed of one or more cells, that cells are the fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms, and that all cells come from pre-existing cells."
"Cells emerged on Earth about 4 billion years ago."
"The study of cells and how they work has led to many other studies in related areas of biology, including: discovery of DNA, cancer systems biology, aging and developmental biology."
"Cells are capable of specialization and mobility within the cell."
"Cells can acquire specified function and carry out various tasks within the cell such as DNA repair, protein synthesis, and motility."
"Most unicellular organisms are classed as microorganisms."
"Every cell consists of cytoplasm enclosed within a membrane, and contains many macromolecules such as proteins, DNA and RNA, as well as many small molecules of nutrients and metabolites."
"Every cell consists of cytoplasm enclosed within a membrane."