ACTIVITY 1B: THE ANIMAL CELL

• All living organisms are made up of cells that form the basic unit of structure and function.
• The study of cells constitutes the science of cytology.
• There are two basic types of cells: prokaryotic cell, in which the genetic material is not membrane-bound and the eukaryotic cell, in which the genetic material is membrane-bound.
• The cell membrane: the structure that surrounds the cell and regulates the flow of substances between the cell and its surroundings.
• The nucleus is usually spherical or ovoid structure that contains the genetic material.
• Cytoplasm is the substance outside the nucleus where the other structures such as organelles are located.
• Under the muscular layer of the organ, there are fusiform or spindle-shaped cells. These are smooth muscle cells.
• The cells that are oval in shape and with a distinct nucleus at the center are red blood cells.
• White blood cells are smaller than red blood cells. They are less numerous and are nucleated with no define shape, hence are said to be amorphous.
• Under the frog’s testis, the sperm cells are seen to have a whip-like flagellum that gives the cell a threadlike appearance.