Cellular Structure and Functions

Cellular Structure

• A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life
• Components of a cell:
  • Plasma membrane: semi-permeable membrane that separates the cell from its environment
  • Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell where metabolic processes occur
  • Nucleus: contains genetic material (DNA)
  • Mitochondria: responsible for generating energy for the cell
  • Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis and transport
  • Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
  • Lysosomes: contain digestive enzymes and break down waste

Cellular Transport

• Movement of substances in and out of cells
• Types of transport:
  • Passive transport:
    • Diffusion: movement of substances from high to low concentration
    • Osmosis: movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane
    • Facilitated diffusion: assisted diffusion using transport proteins
  • Active transport:
    • Requires energy from the cell
    • Movement of substances against their concentration gradient
    • Examples: sodium-potassium pump, calcium pump

Cell Division

• Process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells
• Types of cell division:
  • Mitosis: division of somatic cells (non-reproductive cells)
  • Meiosis: division of reproductive cells (gametes)
• Phases of mitosis:
  1. Interphase: cell grows and prepares for division
  2. Prophase: chromatin condenses into chromosomes
  3. Metaphase: chromosomes align at the center of the cell
  4. Anaphase: sister chromatids separate
  5. Telophase: nuclear envelope reforms
  6. Cytokinesis: cytoplasm divides and cell splits

Blood Groups

• Classification of blood based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells
• ABO blood group system:
  • A antigen: present on red blood cells of individuals with A or AB blood type
  • B antigen: present on red blood cells of individuals with B or AB blood type
  • Rh blood group system:
    • Rh+ (Rhesus positive): has Rh antigen on red blood cells
    • Rh- (Rhesus negative): does not have Rh antigen on red blood cells
• Blood types:
  • A: A antigen present, Rh+ or Rh-
  • B: B antigen present, Rh+ or Rh-
  • AB: both A and B antigens present, Rh+ or Rh-
  • O: neither A nor B antigen present, Rh+ or Rh-

Cellular Structure

• A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life
• Components of a cell include:
• Plasma membrane: semi-permeable membrane separating the cell from its environment
• Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell where metabolic processes occur
• Nucleus: contains genetic material (DNA)
• Mitochondria: responsible for generating energy for the cell
• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis and transport
• Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
• Lysosomes: contain digestive enzymes and break down waste

Cellular Transport

• Movement of substances in and out of cells
• Types of transport include:
• Passive transport:
  • Diffusion: movement of substances from high to low concentration
  • Osmosis: movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane
  • Facilitated diffusion: assisted diffusion using transport proteins
• Active transport:
  • Requires energy from the cell
  • Movement of substances against their concentration gradient
  • Examples: sodium-potassium pump, calcium pump

Cell Division

• Process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells
• Types of cell division:
• Mitosis: division of somatic cells (non-reproductive cells)
• Meiosis: division of reproductive cells (gametes)
• Phases of mitosis:
• Interphase: cell grows and prepares for division
• Prophase: chromatin condenses into chromosomes
• Metaphase: chromosomes align at the center of the cell
• Anaphase: sister chromatids separate
• Telophase: nuclear envelope reforms
• Cytokinesis: cytoplasm divides and cell splits

Blood Groups

• Classification of blood based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells
• ABO blood group system:
• A antigen: present on red blood cells of individuals with A or AB blood type
• B antigen: present on red blood cells of individuals with B or AB blood type
• Rh blood group system:
• Rh+ (Rhesus positive): has Rh antigen on red blood cells
• Rh- (Rhesus negative): does not have Rh antigen on red blood cells
• Blood types:
• A: A antigen present, Rh+ or Rh-
• B: B antigen present, Rh+ or Rh-
• AB: both A and B antigens present, Rh+ or Rh-
• O: neither A nor B antigen present, Rh+ or Rh-

Learn about the basic components of a cell, including the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes, and their roles in cellular processes.