Lecture 3: The Cell
Lecture
Cell Lab
Crossword Cell
Worksheets - DNA and Protein Synthesis

California State Standard

The fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend on a variety of chemical reactions that occur in specialized areas of the organism's cells. As a basis for understanding this concept:

  • Students know cells are enclosed within semipermeable membranes that regulate their interaction with their surroundings.
  • Students know how prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells (including those from plants and animals), and viruses differ in complexity and general structure.
  • Students know the central dogma of molecular biology outlines the flow of information from transcription of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the nucleus to translation of proteins on ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
  • Students know the role of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in the secretion of proteins.
  •  Students know the role of the mitochondria in making stored chemical-bond energy available to cells by completing the breakdown of glucose to carbon dioxide. 

A. Cell structure and function

1. Complex organisms are made of small units - cells, which are the structural and functional units of life. Study of cell "cytology"

2. One of most important theories of biology is the CELL THEORY.

3. Cells are 3 dimensional, come in different sizes and shapes: cubes, flat, long (nerves), columns, small (bacteria), large (egg), very large (ostrich egg)

3. Many organisms are one-celled:

4. Single celled organisms must carry out all life functions. They have particular difficulty and are often very complex in order to carry out life functions.

5. Life functions:

6. Cells of multicellular organisms depend on each other.

7. Division of labor exists within cell and within organisms.

8. Protoplasm is all material in cell - jelly-like. 2 distinct regions: nucleoplasm, cytoplasm.

9. 70 % water, 30 % protein, fats, oils, carbohydrates, minerals, etc.

10. A chemical factory metabolism, (anabolism/catabolism).

Hydrolysis, dehydration synthesis.

11. Different cell parts called organelles accomplish division of labor.

Below is a partial list of cell organelles and functions:

ÝFor more information on the cell go to these sites:

Cell Biology Course

The Cell

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