Cell Structure and Functions

Cells

• Cell Structure:
  • Cell membrane: thin layer of lipid and protein molecules that surrounds the cell
  • Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane where many cellular activities take place
  • Nucleus: control center of the cell where DNA is stored
  • Mitochondria: organelles responsible for generating energy for the cell
  • Ribosomes: sites of protein synthesis
• Cell Functions:
  • Growth and repair
  • Response to stimuli
  • Reproduction
  • Metabolism
  • Transportation of materials
• Cell Types:
  • Prokaryotic cells (e.g. bacteria): lack nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles
  • Eukaryotic cells (e.g. plants, animals, fungi): have nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

Microorganisms

• Types of Microorganisms:
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Fungi (e.g. yeast, mold)
  • Protists (e.g. protozoa, algae)
• Characteristics of Microorganisms:
  • Microscopic size
  • Single-celled or colonial
  • Can be found almost everywhere
  • Can be beneficial or harmful to humans
• Microorganism Importance:
  • Decomposition and nutrient cycling
  • Food production (e.g. yogurt, bread)
  • Human health (e.g. gut microbiome)
  • Environmental applications (e.g. bioremediation)
• Microorganism Interactions:
  • Symbiotic relationships (e.g. mutualism, commensalism, parasitism)
  • Pathogenic interactions (e.g. disease-causing bacteria, viruses)

Microscopy and Microbiology Techniques

• Microscopy:
  • Light microscopy: uses visible light to magnify specimens
  • Electron microscopy: uses electron beams to magnify specimens
• Microbiology Techniques:
  • Staining: uses dyes to enhance visibility of microorganisms
  • Culturing: grows microorganisms in controlled environments
  • Microbial testing: identifies and characterizes microorganisms

Cell Structure and Functions

• Cell membrane is a thin layer of lipid and protein molecules that surrounds the cell
• Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane where many cellular activities take place
• Nucleus is the control center of the cell where DNA is stored
• Mitochondria are organelles responsible for generating energy for the cell
• Ribosomes are sites of protein synthesis
• Cell functions include growth and repair, response to stimuli, reproduction, metabolism, and transportation of materials

Cell Types

• Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, and are found in bacteria
• Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, and are found in plants, animals, and fungi

Microorganisms

• Types of microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists
• Microorganisms are characterized by their microscopic size, single-celled or colonial structure, and ability to be found almost everywhere
• Microorganisms can be beneficial or harmful to humans
• Importance of microorganisms includes decomposition and nutrient cycling, food production, human health, and environmental applications

Microorganism Interactions

• Symbiotic relationships include mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism
• Pathogenic interactions involve disease-causing bacteria and viruses

Microscopy and Microbiology Techniques

• Light microscopy uses visible light to magnify specimens
• Electron microscopy uses electron beams to magnify specimens
• Microbiology techniques include staining, culturing, and microbial testing
• Staining uses dyes to enhance visibility of microorganisms
• Culturing grows microorganisms in controlled environments
• Microbial testing identifies and characterizes microorganisms

Test your knowledge of cell structure and functions, including cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and cellular processes.