Cell Overview

Cells are the basic unit of structure in living things

Cells are highly specialized, and can change from organism to organism.

Cells are very small and can only be seen with a microscope.

The Discovery of the Cell

Microscopes, which are needed to see cells, were invented in 1590

First scientist to see cells was Robert Hooke, who studied cork cells

Cells refers to rooms, which are what they looked like to Hooke

The Discovery of the Cell

Anton Van Leeuwenhoek also studied cells, but he studied one-celled organisms that were alive in water.

Cell Theory

All Living things are composed of cells. Cells are the basic unit of structure and

function in living things. All cells are produced from other cells. *This applies to all living things*

Microscopes

Light microscopes magnify an object by bending the light that passes through them.

Electron microscopes use a beam of electrons instead of light to produce a magnified image.

Images through Microscopes

Images through Microscopes

Images through Microscopes

Images through Microscopes

Cell Structure

The cell is the basic unit of life, but even the cell is made up of smaller parts.

These smaller parts are called organelles. Let’s watch a short video to introduce you to

the parts of the cell.

Cell Parts Cell Wall

– Only present in plant cells– Helps keep the cell’s shape and

strength– Cell wall is made up of cellulose– Cell wall allows water, oxygen, and

nutrients to pass through

Cell Parts

Cell Membrane– Present in both plant and animal cells– Makes up the outer layer of an animal cell– “Selectively Permeable” – it allows only certain

substances in and out

Cell Parts

Nucleus

– The “brain” of the cell - Controls all functions

– The nucleus has its own membrane, called the Nuclear Envelope, to protect it

– Inside the nucleus is chromatin, which contains information on how to run the cell

– The nucleolus is a small part of the nucleus where ribosomes are made. Ribosomes are proteins that are important in cell reproduction.

Cell Parts

Other organelles exist in the cytoplasm, a jelly-like substance found throughout the cell– Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of

the cell. They make energy for the cell to use from food.

– Endoplasmic Reticulum are large folds that carry proteins and other substances from one part of the cell to another. They are like big mazes.

Cell Parts

– Inside the Endoplasmic Reticulum are ribosomes, which produce proteins. The proteins will then leave the ER and go to the Golgi bodies.

– The Golgi bodies are like the post office. They package and ship proteins and other substances that they receive from the ER and send it to other parts of the cell.

Cell Parts

Chloroplasts– Only found in plant cells, these green

sacs capture sunlight and use it to create energy.

Vacuoles– Similar to chloroplasts, but they are

found in both plant and animal cells. They store food, water, and wastes for the cell.

Cell Parts

Lysosomes– Also like vacuoles and chloroplasts, lysosomes

contain special chemicals that break down material for a cell. This material can be food or dead cell parts.

Cells can become highly specialized and be grouped into tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Cell Project

You are to create a part of a cell. You may use any product you wish to create

your cell Make sure that the part you are making

accurately resembles what it should look like. Also include some information about the part.

Cell Project

We will have some class time to work on your cell part.

Try to be creative. The more detail and creativity you use, the

better your grade will be.