Lesson 1 The Cell

Prokaryotic cell

A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic cell

A type of cell that has a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Biomolecules

Molecules that are essential for life, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Cellular components

The different parts or structures that make up a cell, such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.

Biochemical reactions

Chemical reactions that occur within living organisms, often involving the conversion of molecules into different forms.

Animal cells

Cells that make up the tissues and organs of animals, characterized by their lack of cell walls and ability to move.

Plant cells

Cells that make up the tissues and organs of plants, characterized by their cell walls and ability to perform photosynthesis.

Prokaryotes

Primitive, simple, and unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Organisms that have cells with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Archaea

A type of prokaryotic organism that can live in extreme environments, such as acidic or alkaline conditions.

Bacteria

A type of prokaryotic organism that includes many pathogenic species and can cause diseases in humans.

Methanogens

Archaea that can convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into methane gas.

Extremophiles

Organisms that can survive and thrive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or high acidity.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that were formerly called blue-green algae.

Nucleus

The organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities. Largest organelle.

Plasma membrane

The outer boundary of a cell that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Ribosomes

Structures in cells that synthesize proteins.

Cell wall

A rigid structure outside the plasma membrane that provides support and protection to the cell.

Flagella

Locomotory organelles that allow cells to move.

Cilia

Hair-like projections on the surface of cells that help with movement.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm that surrounds organelles and where organelles are suspended

Endoplasmic reticulum

A network of sacs and tubules involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that processes and packages proteins for transport.

Mitochondria

Organelles that generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that contain enzymes involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and detoxification of harmful substances.

Cytoskeleton

A network of proteins that provides structural support and allows for cell movement.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes made of tubulin proteins that help maintain cell shape and facilitate cell motility.

Actin filaments

Thin strands of actin proteins that are involved in muscle contraction and cytoplasmic streaming.

Intermediate filaments

Fibrous proteins that provide structural support and anchor the nucleus and other organelles.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells engulf and digest solid particles, such as food.

Autophagy

The process by which cells break down damaged organelles and recycle their components.

Nucleoid

The region in prokaryotic cells where the DNA is located.

Plasmid

An extrachromosomal piece of circular DNA found in prokaryotic cells.

Capsule

A jelly-like outer coating found in many prokaryotic cells.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound organelles that store water, nutrients, and waste materials in plant and fungal cells.

Plastids (chloroplasts)

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.

Vacuole

Membrane-bound organelle found in the cytoplasm of cells, serving as a reservoir for food and waste products.

Cell wall

Rigid support structure composed of polysaccharides and proteins, surrounding plant cells and providing protection against osmotic or mechanical rupture.

Animal Cell vs Plant cell

A comparison between the structures and characteristics of animal cells and plant cells.

Centrioles

Structures found in animal cells, composed mainly of proteins called tubulin, with a 9 + 0 pattern of microtubules triplets. They help in cell division in animals and also contribute to the formation of the centrosome, cilia, and flagella.

Viruses

are neither eukaryotic nor prokaryotic. They are considered acellular entities that require a host cell to replicate.

Robert Hooke

looked at thin slice of cork through a compound microscope and observed tiny, hollow, roomlike structures. (1665)

Hans and Zacharias Janssen

produced first compound microscope

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

observed living cells and ‘animalcules’

Matthias Schleiden

discovered that plant parts are made of cells. (1838)

Theodor Schwann

discovered that animal parts are made of cells. (1839)

Rudolph Virchow

stated that all living cells come only from other living cells. (1855)

Archaea (Archaeabacteria)

many are called Extremophiles

Acidophiles

Acid loving microbes

ALKALOPHILES.

live in soda lakes

HALOPHILES

Salt loving, live in Dead Sea & Great Salt Lake

CYANOBACTERIA

are photosynthetic eubacteria, formerly called blue-green algae

Motion of cilia

back and forth motion

Motion of flagella

undulating or snakelike motion

organelles

well defined compartments inside the cell; dedicated to important cellular tasks

cytoplasm

large space containing numerous components in solution

PSYCHROPHILES

cold loving - live in antarctic ice & seas

THERMOPHILES

heat loving, in acid hot springs, deep ocean geysers

Bacteria (Eubacteria)

are pathogenic and may cause diseases

Bacillus anthracis

anthrax

Clostridium botulinum

botulism

Staphylococcus aureus

sepsis, endocarditis, & nosocomial (hospital-borne) infections

Salmonella

food poisoning & typhoid

Prokaryotes (Location)

located in the cytoplasm

Eukaryotes (location)

located in the nucleus