SCIENCE REVIEWER: THE CELL
WHAT IS A CELL?
The cell is the basic unit of life.
All living things are made up of one or more cells.
It performs all the necessary functions for life such as growth, reproduction,
and energy production.
TYPES OF CELLS
Prokaryotic Cells
Do not have a nucleus.
DNA is found in the cytoplasm.
Smaller and simpler in structure.
Example: Bacteria.
Eukaryotic Cells
Have a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
Contain membrane-bound organelles.
Larger and more complex.
Example: Plant and Animal cells.
PARTS OF THE CELL AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
Cell Part Description Function
Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane)Outer boundary of the cell Controls
what enters and leaves the cell.
Cytoplasm Jelly-like substance that fills the cell Holds organelles in place and
allows movement of materials.
Nucleus Control center of the cell Contains DNA and controls cell
activities such as growth and reproduction.
Nuclear Membrane Surrounds the nucleus Protects the nucleus and
controls what enters or leaves it.
Nucleolus Found inside the nucleus Makes ribosomes.
Mitochondria Bean-shaped organelles Known as the “powerhouse”
of the cell; produces energy (ATP).
Ribosomes Small round structures Make proteins needed for cell functions.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Network of tubes in the cell Transports
materials; Rough ER has ribosomes, Smooth ER has none.
Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Bodies) Stack of flattened sacs Modifies,
packages, and distributes proteins.
Lysosomes Small sacs with digestive enzymes (mostly in animal cells) Break
down waste and old cell parts.
Vacuoles Fluid-filled sacs Store food, water, and waste; large in plant
cells, small in animal cells.
Chloroplasts Green organelles found only in plant cells Contain
chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
Cell Wall Rigid outer layer in plant cellsProvides shape, protection, and
support.
Centrioles Found in animal cells near the nucleus Help in cell division.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS
Feature Plant Cell Animal Cell
Cell Wall Present Absent
Chloroplasts Present Absent
Vacuole Large and central Small or few
Shape Usually rectangular Usually round
Energy Source Makes own food through photosynthesis Gets energy by
consuming food
CELL THEORY
All living things are made up of one or more cells.
The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living things.
All cells come from pre-existing cells.
FUNCTIONS OF CELLS
Energy Production: Mitochondria produce energy needed for cell activities.
Protein Synthesis: Ribosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum make proteins.
Transport: The cell membrane controls movement of substances in and out.
Reproduction: Cells divide to form new cells (mitosis and meiosis).
Storage: Vacuoles store water, nutrients, and waste.
Protection and Support: The cell wall and cell membrane give structure and
protection.
TYPES OF CELL DIVISION
Mitosis
Produces two identical cells.
Used for growth, repair, and replacement of body cells.
Meiosis
Produces sex cells (sperm and egg).
Cells produced have half the number of chromosomes.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
What is the basic unit of life?
What are the two main types of cells?
Which part of the cell controls its activities?
What is the function of mitochondria?
Which structure allows materials to enter and exit the cell?
What are the three parts of the cell theory?
How do plant and animal cells differ?
Which organelle is responsible for photosynthesis?
What is the function of lysosomes?
What type of cell division produces sex cells?