CELL

Cell – Basic structural & functional units of organisms

CELLS ARE “Same but NOT the same”

Cells are structurally & functionally similar but really are not because there will
come a time when they undergo differentiation
e.g. sperm cells are all alike in structure & function but may undergo
differentiation after fertilization of embryo
Point of differentiation
cell structure & function change (generalized to specific)
from a generic cell → nucleus will direct cell to differentiate into muscle
cell or brain cell during fetal development

WHOLE-CELL ACTIVITY
A cell’s characteristic is determined by the type of protein it produces
The protein in a cell produces is determined by genetic information in the
nucleus
E.g. DNA (nucleus) determines which amino acid are combined in ribosomes to
form proteins which are transported in or out of the cell

CELL PHYSIOLOGY (cell function in general)

Metabolism & energy use
chemical activities
2 types of metabolism: both require energy
catabolism – breaking down
anabolism – building up
Synthesis of molecules
synthesize may either refer to:
PRODUCE certain molecules – ex: hormones
PROCESS certain molecules – ex: glucose
SECRETE or EXCRETE certain molecules – ex: sweat
secrete
substance cell releases is still within the body
e.g. HCL secreted by gastric cells in stomach
 excrete
substance is released out of the body
e.g. sweat, saliva, urine, fecal material
Communication
through chemical & electrical signals
cells know w/c cells are part of the body
cells will know w/c are foreign, bacteria or virus
Reproduction & Inheritance
formation of daughter cells from a single parent cell (CELL DIVISION)
2 types:
MITOSIS
formation of new cells necessary for growth & tissue repair
e.g. wound repair = skin cells will form new skin cells that
will cover the injury
MEIOSIS
formation of sex cells necessary for reproduction
i.e. formation of sperm cells (males) & egg cells (females)