Introduction
The Latin word "cella," which translates to "a small room," is the origin of the word "cell". Cells are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms, similar to the bricks used in constructing a building. The human body is composed of billions of cells, each of which has its own distinct purpose. This article will explore the cell structure, its various types, the organelles that makeup cells, the division of cells, and more.
What is a cell?
A cell is the body part that makes up an organism. It's made up of protoplasm and is surrounded by a membrane that can be either permeable or impermeable. It's basically the self-replicating life unit of the organism. It can exist as a self-contained unit of life (like in a single-celled organism) or a sub-unit of a multi-celled organism (like in plants and animals). It serves a purpose in the tissues and organs of the organism.
Discovery of Cell
Robert Hooke noticed cork slices in 1666 using a tiny magnifier. Cork is part of a tree's bark, and he cut it into thin slices. He looked at the slices under a microscope and saw that they were divided into boxes or sections, like honeycombs. He also noticed that there was a wall or barrier between one box and the next. Hooke called each box a "cell".
Diagram of Cell
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Cell types
Cells can be divided into two categories based on the structure of their nuclei.
Prokaryotic cell
These cells don't have a real nucleus, but rather a primitive one. They don't have the normal cells that attach to membranes, like the nuclear membrane. This type of nucleus is called the nucleoid. The most well-studied type of prokaryote is called nucleophiloskeletons.
Eukaryotic cell
Eukaryotes are cells that have real nuclei that are connected to each other by a membrane. The nucleus has a clear nuclear membrane and contains the cells' chromosomes. Eukaryotes also have organelles that are attached to each other, like mitochondria and the Golgi organ.
Examples of eukaryotes include plants, animals, and fungi.
Difference between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes cells
Cell structure
Basically, just like a brick is the foundation of a house, a cell is the foundation of an organism. The three most important parts of a cell are its membrane, its cytoplasm and its nucleus.
1. Cell Membrane: The cell membrane, also called the plasma membrane, is a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds the cellular. It separates the interior of the cell from its outside environment, controlling the motion of materials inside and out of the cell. The cellular membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that carry out numerous functions which includes shipping, signalling, and cell adhesion.
2. Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the indoors of the cellular among the cell membrane and the nucleus. It consists of a complex combination of water, salts, organelles, and numerous biomolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. The cytoplasm houses the organelles and provides a medium for the cell's metabolic reactions and cell processes.
3. Nucleus: The nucleus is a membrane-sure organelle that carries the cell's genetic material in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). It serves as the manage middle of the cell, regulating gene expression and directing cellular activities. The nucleus is surrounded by the aid of a nuclear envelope, which separates its contents from the cytoplasm. Within the nucleus, you may find the nucleolus, concerned with the manufacturing of ribosomes, and chromatin, the DNA-protein complicated that forms chromosomes all through the cell department.
These 3 additives work collectively to keep the shape, characteristics, and ordinary integrity of the cell. However, it is crucial to be aware that cells can vary in their structure and specialised capabilities relying on the sort of organism and the unique tissue or organ they make up.
Cell organelles
Here's an expansion on the topic of compartments within the cytoplasm of a cell, along with examples and their functions: Within the cytoplasm, numerous other compartments contribute to the various functions and processes of a cell.
Let's explore some of these essential compartments:
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are small, round structures composed of RNA and proteins. They are responsible for protein synthesis, translating genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus into proteins. Ribosomes can be found either freely floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Bodies): The Golgi apparatus consists of a series of flattened sacs called cisternae. It plays a crucial role in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids synthesized in the ER. The Golgi apparatus receives proteins from the ER, modifies them by adding sugars or lipids, and packages them into vesicles for transport to their final destinations within or outside the cell.
Mitochondria: Mitochondria are double-membraned compartments often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell. They generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through a process called cellular respiration. Mitochondria have their own DNA and ribosomes, suggesting that they likely evolved from free-living bacteria engulfed by early eukaryotic cells in a symbiotic relationship.
Lysosomes: Lysosomes are membrane-bound compartments containing digestive enzymes. They play a crucial role in intracellular digestion, breaking down various substances, such as worn-out compartments, cellular debris, or engulfed pathogens. Lysosomes fuse with the targeted materials and use their enzymes to break them down into simpler molecules for recycling or waste removal.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of interconnected membranous tubules and sacs. It is divided into two regions: the rough ER (RER), studded with ribosomes, and the smooth ER (SER), lacking ribosomes. The rough ER is involved in protein synthesis and processing, while the smooth ER plays a role in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium ion storage.
These compartments, along with many others like peroxisomes, vacuoles, and cytoskeleton components (microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments), contribute to the diverse functions and complexity of cells. They work together in a highly coordinated manner to ensure the cell's survival, growth, reproduction, and specialization in multicellular organisms.
Discover the mysteries of cells and immerse yourself in the amazing world of cell biology. Check out the blog ‘What Is’ to learn more about what life is all about.
