Basic Cell Structure

Cells Basic building blocks of life Understanding of cell helps the study of biotechnology (tools we use to make living things better)

Cell Smallest living unit of an organism Grow, reproduce, use energy, adapt, respond to their environment

Cell Many cannot be seen with the naked eye A cell may be an entire organism or it may be one of billions of cells that make up the organism

Cells Divided and classified in many ways One common classification method is whether the cell has or doesn’t have a nucleus

Nucleus Relatively large structure with a cell Directs cell activities Some simple single celled organisms lack a nucleus

Common structures Organelles – smaller parts of the cell with specific functions – little organs Cell membrane – acts as a gatekeeper

Cell membrane Controls what enters and leaves the cell Plants, algae and bacteria typically have a tough outer structure known as a cell wall

Cell wall Provides additional structure and protects the cell Animal cells do not have walls

Cytoplasm Organelles are surrounded by a jelly like substance Mostly water

Nucleus Largest and most identifiable part of the cell

Nucleus Controls activity of the cell Round or oval structure Typically found in the middle of the cell Appears darker than surrounding material

Nucleus Brain of the cell Gene altering – gene therapy- genetic engineering - takes place in nucleus

Nucleus Contains DNA which is the blueprint or “pattern” for the organism

Other organelles Vacuoles Chloroplasts in plants

Vacuole Large organelle, without specific shape Store waste or raw materials

Chloroplast Found in plants and some other organisms Contains chlorophyll

Other organelles Ribosomes Mitochondria Golgi bodies Endoplasmic reticulum Lysosomes