Sustainable Cities and Communities
What is cell?
Cells are the basic unit of life. In the modern world, they are the
smallest known world that performs all of life’s functions. All living
organisms are either single cells, or are multicellular organisms
composed of many cells working together.
Beginning of discovery of the cell
The cell was first discovered and named by Robert Hooke in 1665. He remarked
that it looked strangely similar to cellula or small rooms which monks inhabited,
thus deriving the name.
However, what Robert Hooke actually saw was the dead cell walls of plant cells
(cork) as they appeared under the microscope. Hooke’s description of these cells
was published in Micrographia. The cell walls observed by Hooke did not indicate
the nucleus and other organelles found in most living cells.
The postulates of the cell theory including its development
The cell theory consists of three key postulate. First, the postulate that "All Living Organisms Are
Composed of Cells" states that every living organism is made up of one or more cells, which are
regarded as the basic unit of structure and organization in all life forms. Second, the idea that "The Cell
Is the Basic Unit of Life" emphasizes that cells are the fundamental units where all vital processes, such
as metabolism and reproduction, occur. Lastly, the postulate "All Cells Arise from Pre-existing Cells"
asserts that new cells are generated only through the division of existing cells, challenging the earlier
belief in spontaneous generation, which suggested that life could emerge from non-living matter.
Describing the structure and function s of the different subcellular
organelles
Subcellular organelles are specialized structures found in cells that carry out specific tasks
necessary for the survival and functioning of the cell. Here is a summary of some important
organelles and what they do:
1. Nucleus
The structure of the nucleus is characterized by the presence of nuclear pores for transport and a
double membrane called the nuclear envelope. It has a nucleolus and chromatin, which is made
up of DNA and related proteins.
• Function: The nucleus, which contains the genetic material (DNA) that directs protein synthesis
and controls cellular activity, is the control center of the cell. The synthesis of ribosomes
involves the nucleolus.
2. The mitochondria
• Structure: Cristae, the highly folded inner membrane of mitochondria, is located
between the outer membrane of these double-membraned organelles. The mitochondrial
matrix is the area inside the inner membrane.
• Function: Known as the "powerhouse of the cell," mitochondria use cellular respiration
to create ATP. They also play a role in other processes such as apoptosis and cell cycle
regulation.
3. ER, or endoplasmic reticulum
• Structure: Membranous tubules and sacs make up the network that is the ER. There are
two types of it: smooth ER, which is ribosome-free, and rough ER, which is studded with
ribosomes.
• Function: While the smooth ER is in charge of lipid synthesis, metabolism, and
detoxification procedures, the rough ER is engaged in protein synthesis and modification.
. Golgi Instruments
• Structure: The flattened, stacked membrane sacs known as chambers make up the Golgi
apparatus.
• Function: To prepare proteins and lipids for secretion or transfer to other organelles, the Golgi
processes, sorts, and bundles them from the ER into vesicles.
5. ribosomes
• Structure: Ribosomes are free-floating
4in the cytoplasm or linked to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). They are made up of
proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
• Function: mRNA is translated into polypeptide chains at the sites of protein synthesis, known
as ribosomes.
6. lysosomes
• Structure: Digestive enzymes are found within membrane-bound lysosomes.
• Function: Through enzymatic digestion, they aid in the breakdown of foreign materials,
damaged organelles, and waste products of cells.
7. The peroxisomes
• Structure: Enzymes such as catalase are found in peroxisomes, which are tiny, membrane-
bound organelles.
• Function: They have a role in the metabolism of cholesterol and the detoxification of toxic chemi
cals, including hydrogen peroxide, which is a metabolic byproduct. 8. The cytoskeleton
• Structure: Microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments are among the protein fibers
and filaments that make up the cytoskeleton.
• Function: It helps move internal organelles and the cell itself, preserves cell form, offers structu
ral support, and contributes to intracellular transport. 9. Vacuous
• Structure: Varying in size and content, vacuoles are membrane-bound sacs.
• Function: Big central vacuoles in plant cells store nutrients and waste materials while regulatin
g turgor pressure.
Smaller vacuoles may be involved in the storage and movement of materials in animal cells.
The differences between plant cell, animal cell and bacteria cell
