The Cell

BackgroundThink of cells as colorful little building blocks. Cells come together to construct living things.

What is a cell?

A watery body Contains chemicalsHolds lots of informationHumans have over 200 types of cells and many billions of individual cells.A weeping willow has about 20 types of cells.All cells in an object contains the same basic information.

Cell Theory

developed during the 1830’sStates:

“All living matter is made up of one or more cells. Also, any cell alive today had its origin in a preexisting cell.”

Structure and Scale of Molecules in the Cell

Foundation of functioning cells is the atom.Atoms bond together to form molecules.Molecules may link together to form chains inside the cell.

Structure and Scale (continued)

Proteins are the most numerous of chain molecules.Proteins are made up of amino acids strung end to end.Order of amino acids is determined by DNA

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acidDNA is the genetic material that is the blueprint for all life.Proteins formed carry on all functions of life.

Parts of the Cell

Cell MembraneCytoplasmNucleusGolgi ComplexMitochondriaEndoplasmic reticulumRibosomesLysosomes

Cell Membrane

Lets some things inKeeps other things out

Like a game of Red Rover, Red Rover.

Cytoplasm

Liquid material outside the nucleus where all the other parts of the cell are found and formed.

Nucleus

hold DNADNA decides whether you have blue or brown eyes, etc.Carries instructions that tell the cell how to make protein molecules.

Golgi complex

Where molecules are finished and packaged.Secreting cells have very busy golgi complexes.

Mitochondria

The engines of the cell. They make stored energy available.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Where a lot of the chemical activity takes place.

Ribosomes

Make proteinsFound on the outer part of the endoplasmic reticulum

Lysosomes

Defend the cell from invaders.Release enzymes to eat invading bacteria.Help break down the cell when it dies.

The Cell

Now you have a basic understanding of the cell and how is forms the foundation for all life.