1.2 - Cell Structure

• All cells have three common features: a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA
• There are two broad categories of cells: eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells
• Prokaryotic cells are simpler, without a nucleus or membrane-enclosed organelles, found in unicellular organisms like bacteria
• Eukaryotic cells are more advanced and complex, with organelles like the nucleus, found in plants and animals
• Organelles are specialized parts of a cell with unique functions
• The nucleus is the control center of the cell, containing DNA and a nucleolus where ribosomes are made
• Ribosomes synthesize proteins and can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a passageway for transporting materials, rough ER has ribosomes, smooth ER doesn't
• The Golgi apparatus receives proteins from the ER, customizes them, and sends them out in vesicles
• Vacuoles store materials, like water in plant cells, while lysosomes break down cellular debris
• Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP for energy through cellular respiration
• The cytoskeleton maintains cell shape with microfilaments and microtubules
• Chloroplasts in plant cells carry out photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll for capturing sunlight
• Plant cells have a cell wall outside the membrane for support and protection, unlike animal cells
• Some cells have unique structures like cilia for moving particles and flagella for cell movement
• Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-enclosed organelles, while prokaryotic cells lack these features
• Both plant and animal cells have mitochondria for energy production
• All cells share common features of a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material