Cell and Its Chemistry (brief explanation)

The Modern Cell Theory:

1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells

2. Cells are the smallest living units of all living organisms

3. Cells arise only by division of previously existing cell

   This cell theory is proposed by German scientists named Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann

CELL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Plasma Membrane

   • Encloses the cell and controls what goes in and out

   • Plasma membrane has a double layer of phospholipid molecules.

   • A phospholipid molecule is made up of glycerol which is a phosphate group and two chains of fatty acid.

   • Fats

   • Protein molecules are also found embedded in phospholipids.

   • The membrane is composed of both protein and phospholipid molecules.

     Function:

   • Serves as the boundary between the outside environment and the inside of the cell.

   • Gives form and shape to the cells.

   • Connects one cell to two or more adjacent cells.

     Cell membrane is also responsible for…

     OSMOSIS

     • It is the spontaneous movement of solvent molecules through a semi permeable (selective of what goes in and out) membrane.
     • The region of the higher solute concentration tends to equalize the lower solute concentration.
     • Is an essential process by means of which nutrients are delivered to the cells.

     Diffusion

     • It is the movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.

     Transporters 

     • It lets nutrients enter the cell and by – products to leave the cell.
     • Sugar to glucose to energy

     

     Endocytosis

     • It is the process in which cells absorb molecules by engulfing them.
     • The cell creates a small deformation inward called invagination.

     Phagocytosis

     • Cell eating

     Pinocytosis

     • Cell drinking

     Exocytosis

     • It removes undigested residue of a substance brought in by endocytosis.
     • It also secretes substances such as hormones and enzymes.
     • Pathway

2. Protoplasm

   • Fills between cell membrane and the nucleus (this contain sugar, organelles, proteins, & amino acids)
   • These are the plasma or mass of jelly like materials inside the cell.
   • A protoplasm can change into a semisolid gel to semiliquid solution.
   • protoplasm: proto = first
   • plasm = substance
   • is divided in two forms :
   1. liquid
   2. Jelly Protoplasm is composed of: 20% Carbon 10% Hydrogen 62% Oxygen 3% nitrogen 5% other elements.

3. Genetic Material

   • All over characteristics of an organism which we refer to as DNA or “blueprint of life”
   • Gene is different from DNA. It is a portion of DNA pertaining to single characteristic.