Seven Life Processes and The Cell

• Lesson 2 focuses on the seven life processes and the cell.
• The members are Jennifer Agudo, Ellen Mae Bermejo, Elyza Marie Guadalupe, and Juliana Claris.

Seven Life Processes

• Movement is the ability of an organism to change its position or shape.
• Reproduction involves the passing of genes containing DNA to an organism’s offspring, ensuring that the offspring belong to the same species and have similar characteristics.
• Sensitivity is the ability of an organism to perceive and respond to changes in its environment.
• Sensitivity is crucial for survival as it allows organisms to adapt to changing conditions.
• Growth is an irreversible change in mass, where organisms gradually increase in size or number over time.
• Respiration is a chemical reaction in cells where glucose and oxygen react to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.
• Excretion is when all living things produce waste as byproducts of obtaining energy.
• Nutrition provides nutrients and compounds in foods essential for life and health.
• Nutrients provide energy, building blocks for repair and growth, and regulate the body's chemical processes.

What is a Cell?

• A cell is the smallest, basic unit of life responsible for all life processes.
• A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
• The smallest unit of life that can carry out all the processes necessary for life, such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, and response to the environment.

Order of Structural Organization of Human Body

• Atoms are the smallest units of matter.
• Molecules are groups of atoms bonded together.
• Cells are the basic units of life.
• Tissues are groups of similar cells.
• Organs are structures composed of two or more types of tissues.
• Organ systems are groups of organs that work together.
• An organism is the entire human body.

Structures in the Cell and Their Functions

• Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane) regulates what enters/leaves the cell and maintains cellular structure.
• Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance inside the cell.
• The cytoplasm is the site of metabolic reactions and houses organelles.
• The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains genetic material (DNA).
• Ribosomes perform protein synthesis and translate mRNA into proteins.
• The Golgi Apparatus modifies and packages proteins, synthesizes lipids, and handles cellular transport.
• The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein synthesis and transport, lipid synthesis, and detoxification.
• Rough ER (with ribosomes) synthesizes proteins, while smooth ER synthesizes lipids and stores calcium.
• The mitochondria produces energy (ATP synthesis) and facilitates cellular respiration.
• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum aids in fat metabolism, cholesterol synthesis, and drug detoxification but are not in all cells.
• Lysosomes facilitate cellular digestion and recycling, breaking down waste and foreign substances.
• Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and amino acids, and perform detoxification.
• Centrioles are involved in cell division (mitosis) and form cilia, flagella, and spindle fibers.
• The cytoskeleton provides structural support, maintains cellular shape, and is involved in cell movement and division.
• Chromosomes carry genetic information (DNA).
• Plastids (in plant cells) are involved in photosynthesis.
• Vacuoles store nutrients, waste, and water.

Examples of Specialized Cells

• Muscle cells contain many mitochondria and are elongated to provide energy for contraction.
• Nerve cells (Neurons) have long extensions (axons and dendrites) to transmit electrical signals over long distances.
• Red blood cells (Erythrocytes) lack a nucleus and are packed with hemoglobin to carry oxygen.
• White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) are part of the immune system and defend the body against pathogens.