Unit-2 (Cell Structure and Function)
Unit-2 (Cell Structure and Function)
Cells are the basic unit of life and are the building blocks of all living organisms.
Cells are classified into two main categories: prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells are simple in structure and lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells
are more complex and contain a nucleus and other organelles.
Eukaryotic cells are composed of several organelles, each with a specific function.
The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material, which is responsible for
controlling cell growth, reproduction, and metabolism. The mitochondria are
responsible for producing energy for the cell through cellular respiration. The
endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, while the Golgi
apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for
transport to other parts of the cell or to be secreted outside the cell.
The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a selectively permeable
barrier that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment. It is
composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, which regulate the
movement of molecules in and out of the cell. The cytoplasm, or the fluid-filled
region between the cell membrane and the nucleus, contains various organelles,
enzymes, and other molecules that are essential for the cell's function.
Abnormalities in cell structure and function can lead to a wide range of diseases
and disorders, such as cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.
Understanding the structure and function of cells is essential for the development
of treatments and therapies for these conditions.
In summary, cells are the basic unit of life and are essential for the functioning of
all living organisms. Eukaryotic cells are composed of several organelles, each with
a specific function, and the cell membrane regulates the movement of molecules in
and out of the cell. Cells are involved in a wide range of functions, and
abnormalities in cell structure and function can lead to diseases and disorders.