Cell Biology 1

Anatomy by Ana2 minutes read

Cells are the smallest unit of life, with organisms composed of single or multiple cells, leading to diseases like cancer due to cellular malfunctions. Cells vary in appearance and function, with prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells having different structures and energy requirements.

Insights

  • Diseases often originate at the cellular level due to malfunctions within cells, leading to various illnesses such as cancer.
  • The plasma membrane, made of a phospholipid bilayer, contains proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that regulate cell functions and identity.

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Recent questions

  • What are cells?

    Cells are the smallest unit of life, composing all organisms.

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Summary

00:00

Understanding Cells: The Building Blocks of Life

  • Cells are the smallest unit of life, with all organisms being composed of one or more cells.
  • Most organisms, like humans, plants, and animals, are multicellular, while some, like amoebas, are single-celled.
  • Diseases often originate at the cellular level due to malfunctions within cells, leading to various illnesses such as cancer.
  • Cells vary in appearance, size, and shape, reflecting their specific functions within the body.
  • Prokaryotic cells, like bacteria and archaea, lack organelles found in eukaryotic cells but still contain DNA.
  • Eukaryotic cells, like animal cells, are more complex, containing organelles like the nucleus and requiring more energy.
  • The human cell consists of three main parts: the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, each with distinct functions.
  • The cytoplasm includes organelles and suspended fibers, while the fluid within the cell is called cytosol.
  • Extracellular fluids, like blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, are found outside the cell and serve various functions.
  • The plasma membrane, made of a phospholipid bilayer, contains proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that regulate cell functions and identity.

20:16

Cellular Transport: Diffusion, Osmosis, and Solutions

  • Diffusion is the movement of molecules from high concentration to low concentration, leading to an even distribution in a solution.
  • Osmosis involves the movement of water molecules from areas of high concentration to low concentration.
  • In a hypotonic solution, where there is more water outside the cell than inside, water will flow into the cell, potentially causing it to burst.
  • Conversely, a hypertonic solution, with more solutes outside the cell, will draw water out, causing the cell to shrivel.
  • An isotonic solution maintains equal solute concentrations inside and outside the cell, keeping the cell stable without significant water gain or loss.
  • Plant cells, with a cell wall, react differently to solutions, becoming turgid in a hypotonic solution but not bursting.
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