Science

Cell Structure and Function

Animal and Plant Cells

• Nucleus: Contains genetic material; regulates cell functions and reproduction.

• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):

  • Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.

  • Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.

• Ribosome: Site of protein synthesis; translates mRNA into proteins.

• Chloroplast (plant cells only): Site of photosynthesis; contains chlorophyll for capturing sunlight.

• Golgi Body: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

• Cell Wall (plant cells only): Provides structural support and protection; mainly made of cellulose.

• Lysosome: Contains enzymes for digestion; breaks down waste and cellular debris.

• Vacuole:

  • Plant Cells: Large central vacuole for storage and maintaining turgidity.

  • Animal Cells: Smaller and more numerous; involved in transport and storage.

• Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell; site of cellular respiration, converting glucose into ATP.

• Cell Membrane: Barrier that controls movement of substances into and out of the cell.

• Centriole: Involved in cell division; helps in the formation of spindle fibers.

Components of Living Things

• List includes cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, etc.

Common Characteristics of Living Things

1. Made of cells

2. Obtain materials and energy

3. Grow and develop

4. Maintain homeostasis

5. Reproduce

6. Respond to stimuli

7. Evolve and adapt

Cell Theory

1. All living things are made of cells.

2. Cells are the basic unit of organization.

3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Chromosomes and DNA

• DNA: Molecule of life, contains genetic information responsible for characteristics and functions of living organisms.

• Genes: Segments of DNA that code for proteins, influencing traits.

• Chromosomes: Structures that organize and package DNA, visible during cell division.

Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Eukaryotic Cells: Nucleus present, contain organelles.

  • Examples: Plants, animals, fungi, protists.

• Prokaryotic Cells: No nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

  • Examples: Bacteria.

Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis

• Mitosis: Produces 2 identical daughter cells for growth and repair; retains the full chromosome number.

• Meiosis: Produces 4 gametes with half the chromosome number; a key process for sexual reproduction.

Stages of Mitosis

1. Prophase: Chromatin condenses into chromosomes; nuclear envelope breaks down.

2. Metaphase: Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator.

3. Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart.

4. Telophase: Nuclear membranes reform; cell begins to divide.

Function of the Microscope

• Use proper handling techniques to avoid damage to slides and objectives.

• Magnification achieved by combining eyepiece and objective lenses, enhancing detail visibility for cellular studies.

Cell Structure and Function (Florida BEST aligned)

Animal and Plant Cells

• Nucleus: Contains genetic material; regulates cell functions and reproduction.

• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):

  • Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.

  • Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.

• Ribosome: Site of protein synthesis; translates mRNA into proteins.

• Chloroplast (plant cells only): Site of photosynthesis; contains chlorophyll for capturing sunlight.

• Golgi Body: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

• Cell Wall (plant cells only): Provides structural support and protection; mainly made of cellulose.

• Lysosome: Contains enzymes for digestion; breaks down waste and cellular debris.

• Vacuole:

  • Plant Cells: Large central vacuole for storage and maintaining turgidity.

  • Animal Cells: Smaller and more numerous; involved in transport and storage.

• Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell; site of cellular respiration, converting glucose into ATP.

• Cell Membrane: Barrier that controls movement of substances into and out of the cell.

• Centriole: Involved in cell division; helps in the formation of spindle fibers.

Components of Living Things

• List includes cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, nutrients, enzymes, hormones, etc.

Common Characteristics of Living Things

• Made of cells

• Obtain materials and energy

• Grow and develop

• Maintain homeostasis

• Reproduce

• Respond to stimuli

• Evolve and adapt

Cell Theory

• All living things are made of cells.

• Cells are the basic unit of organization.

• All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Chromosomes and DNA

• DNA: Molecule of life, contains genetic information responsible for characteristics and functions of living organisms.

• Genes: Segments of DNA that code for proteins, influencing traits.

• Chromosomes: Structures that organize and package DNA, visible during cell division.

Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Eukaryotic Cells: Nucleus present, contain organelles.

  • Examples: Plants, animals, fungi, protists.

• Prokaryotic Cells: No nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

  • Examples: Bacteria.

Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis

• Mitosis: Produces 2 identical daughter cells for growth and repair; retains the full chromosome number.

• Meiosis: Produces 4 gametes with half the chromosome number; a key process for sexual reproduction.

Stages of Mitosis

1. Prophase: Chromatin condenses into chromosomes; nuclear envelope breaks down.

2. Metaphase: Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator.

3. Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart.

4. Telophase: Nuclear membranes reform; cell begins to divide.

Function of the Microscope

• Use proper handling techniques to avoid damage to slides and objectives.

• Magnification achieved by combining eyepiece and objective lenses, enhancing detail visibility for cellular studies.