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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of the plasma membrane?
What is the jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane?
What is the site of protein synthesis in a cell?
What is the function of lysosomes in a cell?
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What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
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What is one of the main functions of a cell?
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Study Notes
Structure of a Cell
- A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life
- Consists of three main components:
- Plasma membrane (cell membrane)
- Cytoplasm
- Genetic material (DNA or RNA)
Plasma Membrane (Cell Membrane)
- Thin layer of lipid and protein molecules that surrounds the cell
- Semi-permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through
- Regulates what enters and leaves the cell
- Maintains cell shape and provides mechanical support
Cytoplasm
- Jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane
- Made up of water, salts, sugars, and various organelles
- Site of many metabolic processes, including protein synthesis, cell signaling, and cell division
Organelles
- Specialized structures within the cytoplasm that perform specific functions
- Examples:
- Nucleus: contains genetic material (DNA)
- Mitochondria: generates energy for the cell through cellular respiration
- Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
- Lysosomes: contains digestive enzymes for breaking down and recycling cellular waste
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis, folding, and transport
Cell Types
- Prokaryotic cells: lack a true nucleus, found in bacteria and archaea
- Eukaryotic cells: have a true nucleus, found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists
Cell Functions
- Growth and development
- Reproduction
- Response to stimuli
- Metabolism (energy production and nutrient uptake)
- Waste management
- Cell signaling and communication
Cell Structure
- Cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life
- Composed of three main components: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material (DNA or RNA)
Plasma Membrane
- Thin layer of lipid and protein molecules surrounding the cell
- Semi-permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through
- Regulates cell's internal environment and maintains cell shape
Cytoplasm
- Jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane
- Composed of water, salts, sugars, and various organelles
- Site of metabolic processes, including protein synthesis, cell signaling, and cell division
Organelles
- Specialized structures within the cytoplasm
- Perform specific functions:
- Nucleus: contains genetic material (DNA)
- Mitochondria: generates energy through cellular respiration
- Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
- Lysosomes: contains digestive enzymes for breaking down cellular waste
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis, folding, and transport
Cell Types
- Prokaryotic cells: lack a true nucleus, found in bacteria and archaea
- Eukaryotic cells: have a true nucleus, found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists
Cellular Functions
- Growth and development
- Reproduction
- Response to stimuli
- Metabolism: energy production and nutrient uptake
- Waste management
- Cell signaling and communication
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Description
Learn about the basic structure and components of a cell, including the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material.
