5. The Fundamental Unit of Life
Cells are the fundamental unit of life, comprising a range of structures that perform essential functions. They are classified into prokaryotic and eukaryotic types, with distinct differences in structure and organization. The chapter covers the various components of cells, including the plasma membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, organelles, and their respective functions in living organisms.
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What we have learnt
- The fundamental organisational unit of life is the cell.
- Cells are enclosed by a plasma membrane composed of lipids and proteins.
- The cell membrane regulates the movement of materials between the ordered interior of the cell and the outer environment.
- Plant cells have a rigid cell wall enabling them to withstand hypotonic environments.
- The nucleus directs the life processes of the cell and is separated from the cytoplasm by a double-layered membrane.
- The Golgi apparatus functions in the storage, modification, and packaging of cell products.
- Cells divide for growth, tissue repair, and gamete formation.
Key Concepts
- -- Cell Theory
- All living organisms are composed of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
- -- Diffusion
- The spontaneous movement of substances from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.
- -- Osmosis
- The net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane toward a higher solute concentration.
- -- Organelles
- Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct functions, such as mitochondria and lysosomes.
- -- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells have both.
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