AP Lecture Ch 3

Introduction to Cells

• Fundamental Unit of Life

  • All organisms, regardless of their complexity, are composed of cells.

  • Includes single-celled organisms (e.g., bacteria) to multicellular organisms (e.g., humans).

• Importance of Cells

  • Cells are responsible for all structural and functional properties of a living organism.

  • They play a crucial role in:

    • Workings of the Human Body: Understanding how cells function helps explain how the human body operates overall.

    • Mechanisms of Disease: Many diseases arise from cellular malfunction, making cell biology essential for understanding disease mechanisms.

    • Rationale of Therapy: Treatments often target cells or involve modifying cellular functions, highlighting the importance of understanding cell behavior in therapy.