Lesson 16.

Cell: The Basic Unit of Life

Objectives describe the function of
1 the basic parts of the cell;
At the end and
of this
lesson, you explain how cells carry
should be 2 out functions required for
able to: life.
 All organisms are made up of cells. The cell is the basic
structural unit found in every living organism that performs
several functions throughout life.
 Learn about it!

Organisms and the Number of Cells

● Microscopic unicellular or single celled organisms
have life processes that happen only within their single
cells.

● Multicellular organisms, like animals and plants, are

composed of many cells that function together to
maintain life.
 Learn about it!

The Discovery of Cells

● The discovery of cells was made
possible through the invention
of the microscope.

● Robert Hooke made the

compound microscope and
examined thin slices of cork.
Honeycomb-like structures in
cork
 Learn about it!

The Discovery of Cells

● Antonie Van
Leeuwenhoek observed
motile objects.

● The cell theory was

conceptualized by
From left to right: Leeuwenhoek
Matthias Jakob (1632-1723), Schleiden (1804-1881),
Schleiden and Theodor Schwann (1810-1882),
Schwann.
 Learn about it!

The Cell Theory

● The cell theory states that all
living organisms, from unicellular
to multicellular organisms, are
composed of cells.

● These cells have their specific

independent functions, but they A prokaryotic cell.
work together for an organism to
properly function.
 Learn about it!

Organelles
● All cells, whether
prokaryotic or eukaryotic,
will contain structures
known as organelles.
● The organelles are specific
parts of the cell that
perform specific functions
Animal cell
and contribute to the life
of the cell.
 Learn about it!

Organelles
● The mitochondrion is where
most of the cell’s ATP is
produced.

● The lysosomes break down large

molecules into smaller pieces.
Animal cell
● The Golgi apparatus sorts and
packages proteins and lipids.
 Learn about it!

Organelles
● The endoplasmic reticulum
is where most protein
synthesis occurs.
● The nucleus serves as the
control center of the cell.
● The plasma membrane
separates the cells from the Animal cell
surroundings.
 Learn about it!

Organelles
● The cytoplasm is a semifluid
matrix where organelles are
suspended.

● The ribosomes synthesize

proteins needed by the cell.

Animal cell
 Learn about it!

Organelles
● Chloroplasts are convert light
energy into sugars through
photosynthesis.

● The cell wall provides support

and protection for the cell.

● The amyloplast is responsible

for the storage of starch. Plant cell
 Learn about it!

Modifications
● Cellular modifications allow that cell to perform its highly
specialized function properly.

● Cardiac muscle cells found in the heart have multiple

mitochondria because cardiac muscles have higher energy
requirements compared to others.

● Nerve cells have elongated extensions known as axons and

dendrites.
Key Points

An organism can either be a prokaryote or a

1 eukaryote, but not both.

All cells contain organelles. These organelles perform

2 specific functions that contribute to the normal
functions of a cell.

Many cells have specific modifications that depend

3 on their specialized functions. These help these cells
function properly.
 Check Your Understanding

Identify if the statements are true or false.

1. The rough Golgi apparatus contains ribosomes.
2. Nerve cells have elongated axons and dendrites for producing
ATP.
3. Erythrocytes store hemoglobin inside the nucleus.
4. The plasma membrane is made up of a single layer of
phospholipids.
5. The mitochondria can also be found in prokaryotes.
 Challenge Yourself

What will happen to the cell if the lysosomes

are not bound by a membrane?
 Bibliography
Alvin Silverstein, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn. 2007. Photosynthesis, (Minneapolis:
Twenty-First Century Books).

Biology Corner. Exploring the Rate of Photosynthesis.

https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/photosynthesis_rate.html

Eldra Solomon et al. 2014. Biology, (New Jersey: Cengage Learning)

Eva Carswell and Ananda Weeraruriya. 2010. Investigating

Gareth Williams. 2000. Advanced Biology for You, (United Kingdom: Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd.).

Martin Rowland. 1992. Biology, (United Kingdom: Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd.).

Mateo Zeske. 2017. Photosynthesis Activities

for Middle School. https://sciencing.com/photosynthesis-activities-middle-school-5267691.html
 Bibliography
Nick Paul. 2002. Biology, (United Kingdom: Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd.).

Peter Russell, Paul Hertz, and Beverly McMillan. 2013. Biology: The Dynamic Science, Vol.1 (Units 1 and
2), (Boston: Cengage Learning).

Peter Raven, Linda Berg, and David Hassenzahl. 2012. Environment, (New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons).

Photosynthesis Through Kinesthetics. Westside High School, Macon GA and Mercer University School of
Medicine. http://skbiology.pbworks.com/f/2b-KinesteticsWTemplates.pdf

P.S. Verma and B.P. Pandey. 2010. S. Chand’s Biology For Class XI, (New Delhi: S. Chand Publishing).

Randy Wayne. 2009. Plant Cell Biology: From Astronomy to Zoology, (Cambridge: Academic Press).

Sandra Alters. 2000. Biology: Understanding Life, (Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning)