“The basic unit of life” Cell Biology “The basic unit of life”

What is a cell? The smallest unit of life that can carry out all the functions of a living thing. Cell Introduction

Like the organs of a human. Cell Organelles Tiny organs of the cell. Like the organs of a human.

Cell Membrane All cells are surrounded by a cell membrane. It is a thin layer of lipid and protein that separates the cell’s contents from its environment. It acts like skin does to humans.

Cell Membrane Cell Membrane

Nucleus The control center of the cell. Contains most of the cell’s genetic material. It is like the brain of a living organism.

Nucleus Nucleus Video

Cytoplasm All the material between the cell membrane and the nucleus. Semi-fluid substance made up mostly of water and organic compounds. Can compare it to blood in the human body.

Cytoplasm Cytoplasm Video

Ribosomes Make proteins needed by the cell. Help to make the proteins from the amino acids. Can compare the ribosomes to a factory that makes ipods to sell to students.

Nucleolus Found in the nucleus. Makes the ribosomes needed by the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Extensive network of membranes that produces materials needed for the cell. Two kinds: Rough ER and Smooth ER. Rough ER: has ribosomes on its surface and helps to make proteins. Smooth ER: makes lipids, and helps to process CHO.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Can compare the ER to a highway. It moves items around the cell, like cars on a highway. Endoplasmic Reticulum Video

Golgi Apparatus (Bodies) Series of flat, membrane-bound sacs where molecules are sorted, packaged, and distributed to their final destination. Can compare the Golgi to a post office where they receive, sort, and deliver your mail to you.

Golgi Apparatus Golgi Video

Mitochondria Power house of the cell. Most of the cell’s energy needed to power the cell’s activities is generated here. Changes the energy stored in food into energy useful to the cell. Can compare to it a battery that operates your ipod. Without your battery your ipod would not work.

Mitochondria Mitochondria Video

Lysosomes Contain digestive enzymes that help to break down large molecules and old organelles that are no longer useful to the cell. Can compare them to a junk yard.

Lysosome Lysosome Video

Let’s compare our cell to that of a city that makes Widgets! Cell City Analogy Let’s compare our cell to that of a city that makes Widgets!