Introduction
The smallest unit of life is called a cell. The word cell is derived from the Latin word cella. Cells of some organisms contain special compartments that perform particular functions of the cell. Organelles are what these compartments are called. However, not all cells contain organelles. Organelles are mainly found in eukaryotes cells, but not prokaryotes cells. Eukaryotes cells are complexed cells with membrane-bound nucleus. Prokaryotes cells are simple cells that does not contain a membrane- bound nucleus.
Task
By the end of this Webquest, students will have:
- Gain insight of The Fundamental Unit of Life
- Learn about biological processes.
- Increased knowledge of how all living things live
Process
Organelles
Most organelles structures with membranes, and each carry out a vital cellular process. The nucleus is a spherical structure that houses the genetic information of an organism. The Golgi apparatus collects, packages, and distributes proteins produced by ribosomes, which are found either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. The mitochondria are where The Krebs cycle and electron transport chain are carried out in various parts. A lysosome is an organelle that contains enzymes that degrade other molecules, and these enzymes often catalyze hydrolytic reactions. Chloroplasts are plant organelles, and the reactions of photosynthesis are catalyzed in these compartments. Chloroplasts are a type of plastid. Plasatids are organelle that store(synthesize) sugars. Vacuoles are also typically found in plant cells and carry water and collect the metabolic waste products of a cells.
Prokaryotic And Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic are simple single-celled organisms. They include bacteria and archaea. All other organisms are eukaryotes. Eukaryotes cell DNA is associated with protein and uniformed into linear chromosomes. These chromosomes are housed in a membrane- bound nucleus. Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells and the DNA of prokaryotes is found in the cytoplasm.
Plants VS. Animal Cells
Animals and Plant cells are both eukaryotic cells that share many similarities. Each type of cell contains a nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi bodies, endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes. A cell membrane surrounds the cytoplasm of each cell type, however, plant cell contains a cell wall, whereas animal cells do not have a cell wall.
Cell Membranes
It doesn't matter if the cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic, the cytoplasm of all cells is surrounded by a cell membrane. The cell membrane or plasma membrane is made of two layers of phospholipids. A phospholipid molecule has two parts, which are a polar head, and chemical group containing phosphate.
Cytoskeletons
Cytoskeletons are a web of protein fibers that attach to proteins embedded in the plasma membrane of a eukaryotic cell. This is what gives animal cells its' shape, and certain enzymes and organelles, such as mitochondria are found anchored to this structure. The cytoskeleton is made of three types of protein fibers: intermediate filaments, microtubules, and microfilaments. Intermediate filaments are thick fivers of intertwined proteins. Microtubules are hollow tubes made of protein called tubulin. Microfilaments are long thin fibers of actin. Microtubules play a role in separating the chromosomes during cell division and are key components in the structure of flagella of eukaryotic cells. Distortions in cell shape and cell movement is often caused by the rapid assembly and disassembly of microfilaments.
Conclusion
Cells are the structural and functional units of all living things. A cell can replicate itself independently, and therefore called the building blocks of life. There are eukaryotic cell and prokaryotic cells. Each cells contains a fluid called cytoplasm that is enclosed by a membrane. Cells six main functions are that they provide structure and support, allow passive and active transport, produce energy, promote growth through mitosis, create metabolic reactions, and aids in reproduction.
Credits
Teacher Page
Target Learners: Highschool biology grade 9-12
Unit: Cell Structure and Function