1. Basic Cell Structure

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

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

4. 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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Cytoplasm Organelles are surrounded by a jelly like substance Mostly water

11. Nucleus Largest and most identifiable part of the cell

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

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

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

15. Other organelles Vacuoles Chloroplasts in plants

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

17. Chloroplast Found in plants and some other organisms Contains chlorophyll

18. Other organelles Ribosomes Mitochondria Golgi bodies Endoplasmic reticulum Lysosomes