Cells are the basic unit of life, often called the building blocks of life
There are two types of cells:
There are four types of Eukaryotic cells:
| Prokaryotic cells | Eukaryotic cells |
|---|---|
| Relatively simple structure | More complex structure |
| Naked DNA | DNA in nucleus |
| No internal membranes (comparts) so not compartmentalised | Has internal membrane compartments, compartmentalised allows the enzymes and substrates to be concentrated - optimal performance |
| Missing membrane bound organelles such as nucleus, chloroplasts, mitochondria, golgi apparatus | Have the membrane bound organelles |
| Single celled organism | Multicellular organism |
| soupy chromosomes | Well defined chromosomes |
Difference between animal and plant cells:
| Sr no | Organelle | Function | Animal/Plant cell |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lysosome | Suicidal back of the cell. Basically in the event where the cell is overtaken by a virus or pathogen, the lysosome will break down and convert everything in the cell into simple matter. The lysosome is jam packed w loads of enzymes to kill the bad guys | Only animal cell |
| 2 | Rough ER | Formation of protein | Both |
| 3 | Smooth ER | Production of hormones and lipids | Both |
| 4. | Golgi apparatus | Protein and lipid synthesis, and transport. The proteins formed by the ER are received here and are further processed. | Both |
| 5. | Golgi vesicles | Traffic police. Sort the cell proteins and membrane constituents to deliver them to their required location | Both |
| 6. | Centrosome | Made of centrioles, serves as the main microtubule organising centers for animal cells, | Only in Animal cell |
| 7 | ribosomes | Responsible for the formation of amino acids, and subsequently portions. They participate in transcription and translation. Mrna, Trna, and Rrna. | both |
| 8 | Vacuole | Animal cell vacuoles are small and help collect waste. plant cell ones help maintain the water content balance | Both |
| 9 | Mitochondria | Powerhouse of the cell. Generate chemical energy needed for the cells biochemical reactions | Both |
| 10 | Cell membrane | Provides protection and a fixed internal environment. Allows the transport of toxic substances out of the cell and nutrients into the cell (selectively permeable) | Both |
| 11 | Cell wall | Provides rigid structure to the cell, and more protection | Plant |
| 12 | Nucleus | Holds the genetic material (DNA) of the eukaryotic organisms. Acts as the brain of the cell, gives instructions and jobs to the organelles. | Eukaryotic organisms |
| 13 | Chloroplasts | Inside the cells of plants and algae. Absorbs light to make sugar in a process called photosynthesis. Contains chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis. | Plant |