Cell biology is the scientific study of cells, the basic unit of life. Cells are the building blocks of all living organisms, and understanding how they function is crucial to understanding life itself.

Basic Functions of a Cell

  • Structure: Cells have a defined structure that includes a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
  • Metabolism: Cells carry out metabolic processes to obtain energy and build molecules.
  • Reproduction: Cells can reproduce to create new cells, which is essential for growth and repair.

Types of Cells

  • Prokaryotic Cells: These cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria are examples of prokaryotic cells.
  • Eukaryotic Cells: These cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Plants, animals, fungi, and protists are examples of eukaryotic cells.

Cell Organelles

  • Nucleus: Contains the cell's genetic material and controls the cell's activities.
  • Mitochondria: Known as the "powerhouse of the cell," they produce energy.
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Involved in protein synthesis and transport.
  • Golgi Apparatus: Processes, modifies, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Mitochondria

Cell Division

Cell division is the process by which cells reproduce. There are two main types of cell division:

  • Mitosis: The process by which somatic cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells.
  • Meiosis: The process by which gametes (sperm and eggs) are produced, involving two rounds of division.

Links

For more information on cell biology, visit our cell structure page.