Organisms

What is the definition of a Cell?

A cell is the basic unit of structure and function in an organism.
Living things are called organisms by biologists.
Cells are the basic building blocks of life. All organisms are composed
of one or more cells.
Cells can only be observed under a microscope.
 Concept of the Cell
Unicellular organism
− A unicellular organism, also known as
a single-celled organism, is an
organism that consists of a single cell.
− The interior structure of a cell is
simple.
− These organisms are generally found
living freely both in water and land
habitats.
− Examples of unicellular organisms are
Amoeba, Paramecium, Chlorella, and
Diatoms.
 Amoeba Paramecium

Chlorella Diatoms
Multicellular Organisms
 A multicellular organism is an organism that consists of more than one cell.
The bodies of large plants and animals consist of millions of different types of cells.
There are different types of cells in various shapes and sizes in a multicellular
organism.
Examples of multicellular organisms are seaweeds, mushrooms, fungi, plants, and
animals in general.
Difference Between
Organisms
Unicellular Organisms
Unicellular organisms are composed of a single cell
Simple body organization
A single cell carries out all necessary life processes
The total cell body is exposed to the environment
Division of labor is at the organelle level
A lifespan of a unicellular organism is usually short
Injury to the cell leads to the death of the organism
They are microscopic in nature
Bacteria, amoeba, paramecium, and yeast are examples
of unicellular organisms
Unicellular & Multicellular
Multicellular Organisms
Multicellular organisms are composed of more than one
cell
Complex body organization
Multiple cells perform different functions
Only the outer cells are exposed to the environment
Division of labor is at the cellular, tissue, organs, and
organ system level
Multicellular organisms have a comparatively longer
lifespan
Injury to a cell does not cause the death of the
multicellular organism
Most are macroscopic in nature
Humans, animals, plants, birds, and insects, are
examples of multicellular organisms
Functions of a Cell

They provide structure for the body,

take in nutrients from food,
convert those nutrients into energy, and carry out specialized functions.
Cells also contain the body’s hereditary material and can make copies of
themselves.
Structure and Function
of
Cell
Cell Structure
 The cell structure comprises individual components
with specific functions essential to life’s processes.
 These components include- the cell wall, cell
membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell organelles.
An Animal Cell
Components of Animal Cell
A Plant Cell
Components of Plant Cell
Let’s begin our tour of
the cell…...
Cytoplasm
 The cytoplasm is a jellylike fluid
within a cell found next to the
cell membrane and surrounding
parts of the nucleus.
 It is where most of the cell
activities occur.
 The cytoplasm contains
specialized structures called
organelles.
What is an Organelle?
 Organelle (little organ);
a small structure in the
cell that performs the
specific functions.
Cell/Plasma Membrane
 The cell membrane is a very thin layer that consists of
proteins and lipids.
 A cell membrane controls the movement of substances in
and out of the cell.
 It has small holes (called channels) that allow and
prevent some certain substances in and out of the cell.
 This type of membrane is called a semipermeable
membrane.
 Nucleus
 It is generally spherical and
located in the center of the cell.
 The nucleus is separated from the
cytoplasm by a membrane called
the nuclear membrane or nuclear
envelope.
 The nucleus contains an even
smaller concentrated material
called the nucleolus.
Functions of the nucleus:
 It controls the cell activities such as cell growth and the repair
of worn-out parts.
 In other words, It uses information in the chromosomes to
decide what each organelle should do and the functions of the
cell.
Chromosomes
 The nucleus contains thread-like structures called
chromosomes.
 These carry genes and help in the inheritance or
transfer of characters from the parents to the
offspring.
 Chromosomes are composed of DNA in the form of
Chromatin and protein.
 Chromosomes contain information for the
inheritance of features from parents to the next
generation in the form of DNA molecules.
DNA
 DNA molecules contain the information necessary for
constructing and organizing cells.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Endoplasmic reticulum is a
series of folded membranes in
the cells which are associated
with protein synthesis, storage,
and the movement of cellular
materials.
The ER is divided into two types based on their physical and functional properties
viz. Smooth and Rough ER.

Smooth ER
− Endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes is known as smooth ER.
− It is responsible for producing substances such as lipids and cholesterol. These
substances are components of membranes.
− The smooth ER is also where potentially harmful substances are detoxified.
Rough ER
− Proteins are produced by the ribosomes present in the rough ER. They are
then either transported to sites within the cell for use or secreted out of the
cell.
Ribosomes
 Ribosomes are very small round structured organelle.
 They are either attached to the membrane of the
endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or lie freely in the cytoplasm.
 They are needed to synthesize proteins in the cell
Golgi Apparatus
 Further away from the nucleus is a stack of
membrane-enclosed sacs called the Golgi
body or apparatus.
 Small vesicles containing substances from
the endoplasmic reticulum fuse with one
side of this complex.
 The Golgi Apparatus;
− Chemically modifies substances made by
the endoplasmic reticulum.
− Stores and packages these substances in
vesicles for sent to other parts of the cell
or sent out from the cell.
Mitochondria
 All activities of the living cell
require energy.
 The role of energy production is
carried out by the mitochondrion,
a double-membraned organelle.
 The inner membrane of this
organelle is thrown into deep
folds called cristae.
Vacuoles
 Vacuoles are storage bubbles of
irregular shapes which are found
in cells.
 The vacuole stores the food, a
variety of nutrients that a cell
might need to survive or waste.
 In plant cells, vacuoles are much
larger than in animal cells and
they provide rigidity to the plant
cells.
Cell Wall
 A plant cell has a cell wall that encloses the entire plant cell,
surrounding the cell surface membrane.
 This cell wall is made of cellulose.
 It protects the cell from injury and gives the plant cell a fixed shape.
 The cell wall is fully permeable.
 The cell wall is absent in animal cell
Hence the cell wall serves to:
− Protect the cell from harmful external influences;
− Help the cell keep its shape; and
− Prevent the cell from absorbing too much water and keeps
it from bursting.
Chloroplast
 Chloroplasts are oval structures
found in plant cells.
 Chloroplasts contain a green
pigment called chlorophyl.
 Chlorophyl is essential for
photosynthesis, the process by
which plants make food.
Centrioles
 Centrioles are paired barrel-
shaped organelles located in the
cytoplasm of animal cells near the
nuclear envelope.
 All animal cells have two
centrioles.
 Their main function is to separate
the chromosomes during cell
division.
Difference Between Plant cell and Animal cell
Basic types of cells
Introduction to
Microorganisms
Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that cannot
be seen with the naked eye.
They are also known as microbes and include
bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and algae.
 Importance of Microorganisms
Microorganisms play a crucial role in various ecosystems and have a
significant impact on our lives.
Beneficial Effects:
Decomposers: Microbes break down dead plants and animals, recycling
nutrients back into the environment.
Food Production: Certain microbes are used to make yogurt, cheese,
bread, and other food products.
Medicine: They are essential in producing antibiotics and vaccines to
combat diseases.
Nitrogen Fixation: Some bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a
usable form for plants.
Biotechnology: Microbes are used in genetic engineering and other
Harmful Effects:
Diseases: Some microorganisms cause infections and diseases in plants,
animals, and humans.
Food Spoilage: Certain microbes spoil food by breaking it down and
producing toxins.
Contamination: Microbes can contaminate water sources if untreated,
leading to health issues.
Plant and Crop Damage: Some microorganisms harm crops and agricultural
products
 Classification of Microorganisms:
Microorganisms can be broadly classified into five main groups
 1. Bacteria

Single-celled organisms
Various shapes (spherical, rod-like, spiral)
Found everywhere
Some bacteria are beneficial, helping with digestion and producing
essential nutrients, while others can cause diseases.
 2. Fungi
Single-celled or multicellular
organisms
Includes mushrooms and
molds
Break down dead organic
matter
Used in food production (e.g.,
yeast for baking) but can
cause infections
 3. Protozoa
Single-celled organisms found in water and soil
Important in food chains
Some cause diseases like malaria
Here's why protozoa are important in food chains:
Consumers in Aquatic Food Webs: Protozoa primarily feed on bacteria,
algae, and other small particles present in water. They act as primary
consumers, directly consuming producers (like algae) or detritus, and are,
in turn, preyed upon by larger organisms.
Transfer of Energy: As protozoa consume primary producers like algae,
they transfer energy from the lower trophic level (producers) to the higher
trophic levels. This energy transfer is crucial for sustaining the entire food
chain.
Balancing Nutrient Cycles: Protozoa contribute to nutrient cycling in
aquatic ecosystems. By consuming organic matter, they release nutrients
back into the water through their waste, making them available for other
organisms.
Biodiversity Support: Protozoa are incredibly diverse, with numerous
species inhabiting various ecosystems. This diversity supports overall
biodiversity, promoting ecological balance.
Regulating Microbial Populations: Protozoa help control the population of
bacteria and algae. Their predation on these microorganisms prevents
excessive growth and maintains the overall ecological stability of the
ecosystem.
Source of Food for Higher Trophic Levels: As primary consumers, protozoa
provide a critical food source for secondary consumers (e.g., small fish and
other aquatic organisms) in the food chain.
Indicator of Ecosystem Health: The presence and abundance of protozoa in
aquatic environments serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Changes in
protozoan populations can reflect changes in water quality and
environmental conditions.
 4. Algae
Simple, plant-like organisms
Found in various aquatic environments
Use sunlight for photosynthesis
Important for oxygen production and aquatic
ecosystems
5. Viruses
Not cells but genetic material (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a protein coat
Cannot reproduce independently
Need to infect host cells to multiply
Cause various diseases