T1.1: Cell Structure

• Cells are the basic building blocks of life
• Cells are the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently
• Multicellular organisms like animals and plants contain many cells
• Bacterial cells are prokaryotic and consist of a single cell
• Animal and plant cells (eukaryotic cells)

  • Cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell
  • Nucleus contains genetic material and controls cell activities
  • Cytoplasm is a gel-like substance where chemical reactions take place
  • Mitochondria provide energy through aerobic respiration
  • Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis
• Plant cells (in addition to eukaryotic cell features)

  • Cell wall made of cellulose provides structure and support
  • Permanent vacuole contains cell sap (sugars, salts, water)
  • Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis
• Bacterial cells (prokaryotic)

  • No nucleus, genetic material is a single circular strand of DNA (nucleoid)
  • May have plasmids - small rings of extra DNA
  • May have flagella to allow movement
• Bacteria do not have mitochondria or chloroplasts
• The genetic material in bacteria is not contained in a nucleus