BIO (Monday Feb 3rd)

Introduction to Cells

• Cells are specialized, meaning different types of cells perform distinct functions.

• Example:

  • Mitochondria power the cell.

  • Skin cells and heart cells have different energy needs, hence differ in mitochondria counts.

Cell Membrane

• Function: Protects the internal components of the cell.

• Concept:

  • Without a cell membrane, the structure cannot be termed a cell.

  • Often depicted as a simple circle, but the membrane is complex.

• Structure Details:

  • Contains structures like doors (protein channels) and antennas (receptors).

Nucleus

• Role:

  • Acts as the control center of the cell, housing all genetic information (DNA).

  • Essential for storing instructions necessary for the cell's function.

• Analogy:

  • Similar to a boss in a factory who knows all the plans.

Cytoplasm

• Description:

  • The cytoplasm is likened to the air in a factory; provides a medium where cellular processes occur.

  • Serves as a site for chemical reactions.

Mitochondria

• Name: Often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell.

• Function:

  • Generate energy through cellular respiration.

  • Involve processes that use oxygen and convert food into carbon dioxide.

• Analogy:

  • Similar to a generator that powers a factory.

Other Organelles and Structures

• Ribosomes:

  • Function as the machinery for protein synthesis, producing essential molecules.

• Vacuoles:

  • Primarily seen in animal cells for storage and waste management.

  • Not part of plant cells, which have additional structures.

• Cell Wall (Plants Only):

  • Provides extra support and protection, unlike animal cells that rely on internal structures.

• Chloroplasts (Plants Only):

  • Responsible for photosynthesis by converting sunlight into energy.

Questions about Cell Construction

• Common exam questions may ask:

  • To build a cell in the order it would be constructed.

  • Explain the checklist of organelles and their respective functions.