The Cell
The Cell
The Cell
THE CELL
Just as walls of a building are built from many bricks, all living things (organisms) consist of
minute of particles known as cells.
Some organisms are so small that they consist of one cell.
Other organisms, such as humans, consist of billions of cells.
Therefore a cell can be defined as a basic unit of life.
Cells differ in structure depending on their function.
Most cells are too small to be observed with the naked eye.
Cells are however larger than atoms and molecules.
Cells have the same basic structure, they differ in certain regards.
Plant cell differ from animal cell and cells in the roots differ from those in the leaves.
Groups of cells with similar structure and specific function are called tissues.
Tissues cannot function individually and are grouped together to form organs.
An organism can only function effectively if all the organs work together.
In a multicellular organism, heart organs are grouped together according to their function
and form a system (digestive system)
All systems together form an organism.
Cell shape Rigid and fixed shape due to Flexible or changeable shape
the presence of a cell wall. due to the absence of cell wall.
Cell wall Sturdy cell wall present. No cell wall.
In plants (and other multicellular organisms) growth occurs when the number of cells increases.
The increase in the number of cells occurs through a special process in which a mature mother
cell divides into two cells and each cell divides into two cells and each daughter cell develops to
maturity and then divides again. This division is known as mitosis.
During the early stage of division, enzymes (chemical substances that control various processes
in cells) ensure that cells develop in such a way that they have different structures.
These differences are known as differentiation which is aimed at cells having special functions. In
other word, the cells are specialised.
Certain cells protect the body against germs, cells in the skin; certain conduct impulses to and
from the brain, e.g. nerve cells; certain cells can contract and relax, e.g. muscle cells.
Differentiation thus gives rise to specialisation.
Cells do not function individually in the body, but in groups. The following can be distinguished:
Tissue
A group of similar differentiated cells with intercellular matter with a common function is called
tissue. The epidermal cells of an onion peel forms tissue that protects the underlying parts. In a
similar manner muscle cell can function in groups to form muscle tissue and bone cells function
together to form bone tissue.
Organs
A group of differentiated tissues, each with its own specific function but with a common group
function is called an organ. A plant leaf is an organ that consists of various types of tissues.
According to the definition, a kidney, stomach, heart etc. can be classified as organs.
Organ systems
A group of different organs each with its specific function but with a common group function is
called an organ system. The teeth, tongue, oesophagus, small intestines, large intestines, liver,
etc. all have a digestive and together form the digestive system.
Organisms
Different organ systems that function together and are dependent on each other form an
organism. Plants and animals are organism. The body, consist of organ systems, is called an
organism.
During the life of an organism there will be times when the body will degenerate due to use or
become damaged in accidents. Cell division, growth and differentiation are used to repair this
damage. Without these processes most organisms would have very short lives.
These cells include the yolk of birds’ egg, frog’s egg and fish egg.
Consider the following diagram for the most important parts of the light microscope
Eye piece or ocular Is the lens against which eyes is placed that enlarges the
object observed, usually 10x.
Tube Holds the lenses of the eye piece at the correct working
distance apart.
Coarse adjustment knob Moves the tube up and down to focus the object being
observed.
Fine adjustment knob Used for the final focus to obtain clear image.
Arm Join the base and the platform to the tube and supports
the adjustment screws.
Rotating nose piece Holds the objectives with low and high power on a
rotating disc.
Objectives Lenses of the objectives help to enlarge image:
- The shorter one gives a lower magnification x4.
- The longer one give a higher magnification (10x and
40x)
Platform Supports the microscope slide over the opening which
transmits light from the mirror or electric source below.
Condenser and diaphragm Controls the amount of light directed onto passing
through the object; focuses light rays from the mirror of
light source onto the object.
Mirror or electric light source Reflects light upwards through the condenser towards
the opening in the platform.
Base It is firm and supports the weight of the microscope
Magnification: If the magnifying power of the eye piece is 10x and that of the objective is
40x, then that total magnification of the object being viewed is 10 x 40; or 400x.
Microscope slide: Consist of a glass slide, the object (specimen) and a cover-slip.
Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.
Alternative Proxies: