The smallest units of life Chapter 3 Cells The smallest units of life Chapter 3
Cell Theory All living things are made of cells. New cells are created from existing cells. Cells are the basic building units of life.
All cells must have… a MEMBRANE to control what enters and leaves fluid called CYTOPLASM genetic material (DNA, RNA or both)
All cells (except bacteria) 2 Types of Cells Prokaryote = no nucleus Bacteria Eukaryote = nucleus All cells (except bacteria)
Prokaryotes bacteria No nucleus (DNA loose) Missing most organelles Unicellular each bacterium is 1 cell in size
Eukaryotes plants, animals, fungi, protozoans Nucleus (DNA inside) Various membrane bound organelles Unicellular or Multicellular (one cell) (many cells)
Viruses Viruses are made of genetic material and protein. Debate exists today of whether viruses are “alive.” Viruses depend on host cells for their survival. 8% of our human genome consists of viruses that inserted themselves in our DNA.