Cells - Chapter 3 - Science

Cell

The basic building block of life and has all the characteristics of life

Characteristics of Life

• Reproduction

• Response

• Growth

• Excretion

• Nutrition

Organelles

Cell structures that have special features

Animal Cell Diagram

• Nucleus

• Cell membrane

• Cytoplasm

• Mitochondria

• Vacuole

• Ribosome

Plant Cell Diagram

• Nucleus

• Cell membrane

• Cytoplasm

• Mitochondria

• Cell wall

• Vacuole

• Ribosome

• Chloroplast

Nucleus

Control centre of the cell and contains genetic material/DNA

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance that holds things in place

Cell Membrane

Controls what goes in and out of the cell

Chloroplast

Contains the green pigment called chlorophyll, which allows the plant cell to absorb sunlight energy so the plant can make its own food through photosynthesis

Vacuole

Gives the cell strength and stores water, food and waste products

Mitochondria

Energy powerhouse of cell and releases energy

Cell Wall

Provides structural support, protection and helps maintain cell shape

Ribosome

Makes proteins e.g. enzymes

Light Microscope

Lab equipment that allows biologist to study organelles by passing a beam of light through cells

Parts of the Light Microscope

• Base

• Stage & clips

• Light

• Objective lens

• Eyepiece lens

• Coarse focus wheel

• Fine focus wheel

Objective Lens

Magnifies the specimen by different factors (x4, x10, x40)

Coarse Focus Wheel

Brings the image into rough focus

Fine Focus Wheel

Brings the image into sharp focus

Specimen

Sample of cells studied under a microscope

Electronic Microscope

Used to study cells to greater details (x1,000,000)

The Organisation of Life

Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → System → Organism