Animal and Plant Cells

Animal and Plant Cells

Cell Basics

  • Multicellular Organisms: Consist of many cells (e.g., humans with ~50 trillion cells).
  • Unicellular Organisms: Consist of a single cell (e.g., bacteria).
  • Cell Definition: The basic unit of life.

Animal Cell Structure

  • Key Components:
    • Cytoplasm
    • Nucleus
    • Cell membrane
    • Mitochondria

Animal Cell Organelle Functions

  • Nucleus:
    • Surrounded by a nuclear membrane.
    • Contains chromosomes (DNA).
    • Controls cell activity; contains genetic instructions.
  • Cytoplasm:
    • Liquid gel where chemical reactions occur.
  • Cell Membrane:
    • Selectively-permeable boundary controlling substance movement.
  • Mitochondria:
    • Site of aerobic respiration.
    • Converts energy from glucose into ATP.

Plant Cell Structure

  • Key Components:
    • Cytoplasm
    • Nucleus
    • Cell membrane
    • Cellulose cell wall
    • Mitochondrion
    • Permanent vacuole
    • Chloroplast

Plant Cell Organelles (Unique)

  • Cellulose Cell Wall:
    • Provides support and protection.
    • Made of cellulose polymer.
    • Freely permeable.
  • Vacuole:
    • Contains cell sap; regulates turgor pressure, water, and pH balance.
    • Stores waste products.
  • Chloroplast:
    • Contains chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
    • Converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Energy in Cells

  • Respiration: Process of converting energy into a usable form (ATP).
  • Mitochondria: Site of respiration in cells.

Cell Specialization

  • Many plant cells can differentiate and specialize throughout their life, found in meristems.