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Introduction to Cells
The cell is the basic unit of life, and most parts of the cell are living. However, there
are a few non-living parts, including the cell wall and vacuoles.

Cell Structure
A cell can be divided into three main parts:

The outer covering, which is either the cell wall or the cell membrane
The cytoplasm, which contains all the cell organelles
The nucleus, which is the brain of the cell

The cell wall is found only in plant cells and is made up of cellulose. It provides
shape and rigidity to the cell. The cell membrane, on the other hand, is found in both
plant and animal cells and is made up of lipoproteins. It is thin and flexible and
separates the cell from its surroundings.

Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is semi-permeable, meaning it regulates the entry of certain
substances into the cell. It has fine pores that allow smaller molecules to pass
through while keeping larger molecules out.

Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane and contains all
the cell organelles. It is made up of organic and inorganic compounds and is the site
of many metabolic reactions.

Some of the key organelles found in the cytoplasm include:

Endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi apparatus
Lysosomes
Vacuoles

Endoplasmic Reticulum

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The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of double-membraned tubes that provides

a supportive framework to the cell. It is connected to the cell membrane on the
outside and the nuclear membrane on the inside.

There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum:

Type Description

Rough endoplasmic Has ribosomes attached to it and is involved in protein

reticulum synthesis
Smooth endoplasmic Does not have ribosomes attached to it and is involved in
reticulum fat and lipid synthesis

Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi apparatus is a complex of flat membrane sacs that is involved in protein
modification and transport. It is like a postman or delivery person for the cell,
packaging and delivering proteins and hormones to other parts of the cell or outside
the cell.

The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging

proteins and lipids for transport to other parts of the cell or outside the
cell.

Lysosomes
The lysosomes are membrane-bound sacs that contain hydrolytic enzymes. They
are involved in cell digestion and recycling and are often referred to as the suicide
bags of the cell.

Lysosomes are responsible for breaking down and recycling cellular waste
and foreign substances that enter the cell.

Cell Organelles
Here is a summary of the key cell organelles and their functions:

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Organelle Function

Contains genetic material and controls cell

Nucleus
growth and division
Generates energy for the cell through cellular
Mitochondria
respiration
Provides a supportive framework to the cell
Endoplasmic reticulum and is involved in protein synthesis and
transport
Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and
Golgi apparatus lipids for transport to other parts of the cell or
outside the cell
Breaks down and recycles cellular waste and
Lysosomes
foreign substances
Stores water, salts, and minerals and helps
Vacuoles
maintain cell shape
The cell is composed of various
organelles, each with its own unique
function.

Lysosomes
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles responsible for intracellular digestion.
They contain enzymes that break down and recycle cellular waste and foreign
substances. The main functions of lysosomes are:

Breaking down stored food in cells

Destroying foreign substances that enter the cell
Digesting and recycling cellular waste
Helping to remove old and damaged cells

When a cell becomes old or damaged, the lysosome bursts and releases its enzymes,
which then break down the cell's components.

Centrosomes

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Centrosomes are found only in animal cells and play a crucial role in cell division.
They are composed of two centrioles surrounded by a cloud of microtubules. The
centrosome is responsible for:

Forming the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes during cell division
Helping to organize the microtubules that make up the cytoskeleton

The centrosome is often referred to as the "brain" of the cell, as it helps to

coordinate the movement of chromosomes during cell division.

Plastids
Plastids are found only in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis. The
most common type of plastid is the chloroplast, which contains the pigment
chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is responsible for:

Absorbing solar energy and using it to power photosynthesis

Helping to produce glucose through photosynthesis

Other types of plastids include:

Chromoplasts, which contain pigments that give plants their color

Leucoplasts, which are colorless and used for storage
Type of Plastid Function

Chloroplast Photosynthesis
Chromoplast Pigment storage
Leucoplast Storage

Nucleus
The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains most of the cell's genetic
material. It is surrounded by a nuclear membrane and contains chromatin, which is
composed of DNA and proteins. The nucleus is responsible for:

Controlling the cell's growth and reproduction

Storing genetic information
Regulating the cell's metabolism

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The nucleus is often referred to as the "brain" of the cell, as it contains the
genetic information necessary for the cell's survival and function.

Nucleolus
The nucleolus is a small, rounded structure found within the nucleus. It is responsible
for:

Producing ribosomes, which are necessary for protein synthesis

Regulating the cell's metabolism

Vacuoles
Vacuoles are storage organelles found in plant cells. They are used to store:

Water
Waste
Nutrients
Pigments

The tonoplast is the membrane that surrounds the vacuole and helps to regulate the
flow of materials in and out of the cell.

Drawing Plant and Animal Cells

When drawing plant and animal cells, it is essential to include the following
components:

Plasma membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Mitochondria
Endoplasmic reticulum
Ribosomes
Lysosomes inanimalcells
Vacuoles inplantcells
Chloroplasts inplantcells

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By including these components, you can create a detailed and accurate diagram of a
plant or animal cell.## Cell Structure The cell structure consists of several organelles
that work together to maintain the cell's overall function. The nucleus is the control
center of the cell, while the cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that surrounds the
organelles.

Mitochondria
The mitochondria is the power house of the cell, responsible for generating energy
through a process called cellular respiration. To draw a mitochondria, start by
drawing an oval shape and then add infoldings in a zigzag manner. Finally, cover it
with a membrane.

Chloroplast
The chloroplast is found in plant cells and is responsible for photosynthesis. To draw
a chloroplast, start by drawing an oval structure and then add stacks.

Cell Types
There are three main types of cells: animal cells, plant cells, and bacterial cells.
Each type of cell has its own unique characteristics.

Cell Type Characteristics

Animal Cells Have a cell membrane as the outermost layer

Plant Cells Have a cell wall as the outermost layer
Bacterial Cells Have a capsule as the outermost layer notpresentinallbacteria

Common Organelles
All three types of cells have some common organelles, including:

Ribosomes: responsible for protein synthesis

Mitochondria inanimalandplantcells: responsible for generating energy
Chloroplast inplantcells: responsible for photosynthesis

The ribosome is a small organelle found in all types of cells, responsible

for translating messenger RNA into protein.

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Bacterial Cells
Bacterial cells have some unique characteristics, including:

A single chromosome that is not enclosed in a nucleus

Mesosomes instead of mitochondria, which are involved in cellular respiration
Plasmids, which are small DNA molecules that can produce antibiotics
A flagellum, which is a thread-like structure that helps with locomotion

Cell Movement
Cells are able to move if they have a flagellum, which is a thread-like structure that
helps with locomotion. Not all cells have a flagellum, but those that do are able to
move around their environment.

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