SS1 biology

THE CELL
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. All living organisms, whether
unicellular or multicellular, are composed of cells. The cell theory, one of the
fundamental principles in biology, outlines three main concepts:
1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.

2. The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells through the process of cell division.
Cells can vary widely in terms of size, shape, and function, but they share certain
fundamental features:
**1. Cell Membrane:
 The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, encloses the cell and
separates it from the external environment. It regulates the passage of substances in
and out of the cell.
**2. Cytoplasm:
 The cytoplasm is the semi-fluid substance that fills the cell's interior. It contains various
organelles and is the site for many cellular activities.
**3. Nucleus:
 In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that houses the genetic
material (DNA). It controls the cell's activities and contains the instructions for protein
synthesis.
**4. Organelles:
 Organelles are specialized structures within the cell that perform specific functions.
Examples include the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria,
chloroplasts (in plant cells), and more.
**5. Genetic Material:
 The genetic material of the cell contains the instructions for the cell's structure and
function. In prokaryotic cells, DNA is typically found in a region called the nucleoid,
whereas in eukaryotic cells, it is housed in the nucleus.
**6. Ribosomes:
 Ribosomes are cellular structures involved in protein synthesis. They are the sites where
amino acids are assembled into proteins according to the instructions carried by RNA.
Types of Cells:
1. Prokaryotic Cells:
 Characteristics:
 Lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
 Simple in structure.
 Typically smaller in size.
 Examples:
 Bacteria and Archaea.
2. Eukaryotic Cells:
 Characteristics:
 Have a membrane-bound nucleus.
 More complex in structure.
 Larger in size.
 Examples:
 Plant cells, animal cells, fungi cells, and protist cells
(i) Cell as a Living Unit of a Living Organism:
 The cell is considered the fundamental unit of life because it is the smallest structure
capable of carrying out all the activities necessary for life. Cells are the building blocks of
living organisms, and each cell is a self-contained unit with its own set of organelles and
functions. Whether an organism is unicellular (composed of a single cell) or multicellular
(composed of multiple cells), the cell is the basic structural and functional unit that
sustains life.
(ii) The Cell Theory:
 The cell theory is a fundamental concept in biology that outlines the following
principles:
1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells through the process of cell division.
(iii) Forms in Which Living Things Exist:
1. Independent Organism:
 An organism that exists as a single, independent unit, such as a single-celled
bacterium or a complex multicellular organism like a human.
2. As a Colony:
 Some organisms exist as colonies, which are groups of identical cells living
together. Each cell in the colony is capable of independent existence. Examples
include certain types of algae.
3. As Filament:
 Some organisms exist as filaments, which are long chains of cells attached end-
to-end. Examples include certain types of fungi and bacteria.
(iv) Cell Structures and Functions of Cell Components:
 Cell Membrane:
 Function: Regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
 Cytoplasm:
 Function: Houses organelles and serves as the site for cellular activities.
 Nucleus:
 Function: Contains genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.
 Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
 Function: Involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids.
 Golgi Apparatus:
 Function: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.
 Mitochondria:
 Function: Generates energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
 Chloroplasts (in plant cells):
 Function: Site of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical
energy.
 Ribosomes:
 Function: Involved in protein synthesis.
 Vacuole (larger in plant cells):
 Function: Stores substances and provides structural support (in plant cells).
(v) Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells:
1. Cell Wall:
 Plant Cells: Have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose.
 Animal Cells: Lack a cell wall.
2. Plastids (Chloroplasts):
 Plant Cells: Contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
 Animal Cells: Lack chloroplasts.
3. Vacuole:
 Plant Cells: Have a large central vacuole for storage and support.
 Animal Cells: Have smaller or no vacuoles.
4. Shape:
 Plant Cells: Often have a fixed, rectangular shape.
 Animal Cells: Tend to be more rounded and flexible.
5. Lysosomes:
 Plant Cells: Lysosomes are rare.
 Animal Cells: Contain lysosomes for intracellular digestion.
6. Centrioles:
 Plant Cells: Lack centrioles.
 Animal Cells: Have centrioles, involved in cell division.

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THE CELL

1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.

**1. Cell Membrane:

**5. Genetic Material:

(i) Cell as a Living Unit of a Living Organism:

(ii) The Cell Theory:

(iii) Forms in Which Living Things Exist:

(iv) Cell Structures and Functions of Cell Components:

(v) Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells:

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