Zoology cells

• Cell


  Basic unit of life
• Main parts of a cell

  • Cell membrane
  • Cytoplasm
  • Nucleus
• Cytoplasm


  • Structurally, plant and animal cells are very similar because they are both eukaryotic cells
  • They both contain membrane-bound organelles that perform specific functions such as storage, digestion of larger molecules, energy production, synthesis, sorting, and transporting of proteins, etc.
• The few differences that exist between plant and animal cells are very significant and reflect a difference in the functions of each cell
• Mitochondria


  • Known as the "powerhouse" of the cell
  • They generate large quantities of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
• Ribosomes


  • Known as the "protein factories of the cell
  • They can be found floating within the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)


  • A network of membranes inside a cell through which proteins and other molecules move
  • The ER can either be smooth or rough
  • The rough ER has ribosomes on it while the smooth ER lacks ribosomes and functions for the production of fats or lipids
• Golgi Apparatus


  • Known as the "packaging counter" of the cell
  • It is responsible for transporting, modifying, and packaging proteins and lipids into vesicles for delivery to targeted destinations
• Vacuoles


  • Known as the "storage tanks" of the cell
  • They are filled with nutrients that the cell needs in order to survive and waste materials
• Lysosomes


  • Contain digestive enzymes
  • They break down excess or worn-out cell parts
  • They may be used to destroy invading viruses and bacteria
  • If the cell is damaged beyond repair, lysosomes can help it to self-destruct in a process called programmed cell death, or apoptosis
• Cytoskeleton


  • Provides a framework and shape to the cell
• Cell Wall


  • A rigid layer that surrounds, supports, and protects the plant cell
• Plastids


  • Help in the storage of plant products such as chloroplasts
• Cell division


  1. Mitosis

  2. Meiosis
• Mitosis refers to the division of body cells (skin, muscle, bone, etc.) while Meiosis is a process of cell division that produces sex cells (sperm and egg)