UnitA 1

• Cells from different species share metabolic processes, function, and composition.
• Cells have the ability to reproduce themselves.
• Cellular processes are highly regulated.
• Cells can self-regulate through allosteric regulation and oscillatory biochemical processes such as cyclin transcription, glycolysis, respiratory metabolism, immune response, etc.
• DNA transcription, protein synthesis, DNA repair, cellular respiration, and many other processes are crucial to cellular function.
• Prokaryotes: DNA is not segregated within a defined nucleus.
• Carbohydrate metabolism (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis), lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism are examples of shared metabolic processes.
• Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle (TCA), Calvin Cycle, etc. are examples of metabolic processes.
• Genes encode the information for cellular reproduction, activity, function, and structure.
• Cells have evolved from a common prokaryotic ancestor.
• There exist two types of cells: Eukaryotes (protists, animals, plants & fungi) and Prokaryotes (all bacteria & archea).
• Cells can convert glucose to ATP (energy!).
• Genes are responsible for building each cell type and the organism as a whole.
• All cells contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) representing their genetic information.
• Cells engage in mechanical activities and respond to stimuli.
• DNA (white region) is loosely positioned and not surrounded by a nucleus in prokaryotic cells.
• Cells carry out a series of chemical reactions known as metabolism.
• Cells are highly complex and organized.
• A cell can divide to produce two daughter cells containing a complete set of genetic information.
• Cells possess a genetic program and the means to use it.
• Genomic sequencing is a powerful tool used to identify different divisions of organisms.
• Cells acquire and utilize energy.
• Eukaryotes: DNA is segregated within a defined nucleus.
• Cells vary enormously in appearance and function, but all living cells have a similar basic chemistry and are self-replicating collections of catalysts.
• Cells from fern root tip show stained nuclei, while cells from urine-collecting duct of kidney show stained nuclei.
• Cells are the building blocks of life, responsible for the unique characteristics of organisms.
• Organelles are not the smallest units of life, as they are unable to reproduce themselves outside of the host cell.
• Genetic material in cells provides instruction on the form and diversity of living organisms.
• Viruses are not the smallest units of life, as they require a host cell to replicate and thrive.
• A cell is the fundamental unit of life, composed of membrane-enclosed units of aqueous solution harboring the ability to divide and differentiate into different cell types.
• Cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and vary enormously in appearance and function.
• All living cells have evolved from a single cell.
• In all living cells, genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein, known as the central dogma.
• Cells form tissues that can be visualized and are highly ordered.
• Life is the most basic property of cells, as cells can reproduce and grow in culture for extended periods.
• Cell biology is the study of cells and their structure, function and behavior.
• Other commonly used cells in cell biology research are HEK293t (Human Embryonic Kidney) cells.
• The size of cells and their components is approximately 5-20 nm, which can be visualized using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy.
• Eukaryotes have more genetic material than prokaryotes and their DNA and histones are packaged into chromosomes, while prokaryotes have a singular circular DNA.
• An ancient archaeal cell enlarged its plasma membrane by forming protrusions, fragments of the membrane separating each protrusion pushed themselves inward resulting in membrane-enclosed organelles.