The Cell Theory
A Basic Unit… The simple “unit” of living things is the cell Living things (organisms) can be a single cell (unicellular) or made up of many cells (multicellular)
What are Cells? The Cell Theory is based on THREE important principles: All living things are made up of 1 or more cells All new cells come from pre-existing cells The cell is the basic unit of life
What’s Inside a Cell? Think of a cell as a “blob” with many special structures inside it. Plant and animal cells have very special internal structures that carry out different jobs for the cell. These structures are called organelles. Let’s take a look inside…
What are these special cell “parts” Plasma/Cell Membrane (#7) Protects the cell Allows materials to move in or out Cytoplasm (#11) Thick, jellylike fluid Supports cell organelles
Nucleus (#2) Contains DNA (genetic information) Controls all cell functions Nucleolus (#1) Small structures inside nucleus Produces rRNA (needed to make ribosomes)… more on these soon!
Vacuole or Vesicle (#10) Small “bubble” inside cell Contains food or waste Centrioles (#13) Help with cell division
Mitochondria (#9) Uses glucose (sugar) and oxygen Produces energy for the cell Ribosomes (#3) Small, dense granules Produce proteins for the cell Can be found floating in the cytoplasm OR attached to…
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (#5) Makes proteins for the cell to use Transports these to the Golgi Apparatus Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (#8) Makes fats for the cell to use
Golgi Apparatus (#6) Packages and transports materials out of the cell Forms vesicles Also forms lysosomes… which are… Lysosome (#12) Contain special chemicals (enzymes) for breaking down materials Will join with a food vacuole
Plant Cells are Unique Because the have… Chloroplasts (for photosynthesis) A large central water vacuole A cell wall in addition to the cell membrane
A cell wall… Is a rigid structure Keeps the shape of the plant cell Chloroplasts… Convert energy from the sun into stored energy
Process of Photosynthesis REACTANTS: ENERGY (from the sun) + Water + Carbon Dioxide PRODUCTS: Glucose + Oxygen + Stored energy (ATP) We can write this as a chemical reaction… Light Energy + H2O + CO2 C6H12O6 + O2 + ATP
The Cell is like a City Review Activity Your group will need to consider how a “cell is like a city” and complete the chart in your notes. Discuss answers with your group and be prepared to share with the class!