What Are Cells?

What are Cells?

1. A cell is a basic unit of structure and function in all living things; therefore, all

living things are made up of cells!

What Are Cells?

2.Most living things are made up of many cells or are multicellular and collectively (all together) make up an organism (living thing).

3.Some organisms, like bacteria are made up of only one cell and are said to be unicellular.

How is the cell of one-celled organisms different from the cells in many-celled

organisms?

One-celled organism – the single cell performs all life functions

Many-celled organism – the cells do not work alone; each cell carries on its own life functions while depending on other cells in the organism;

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Some organisms are said to be prokaryotic.

4. Prokaryotic organisms have cells that do not have their genetic material (DNA) contained within a

nucleus. The genetic material floats within the cytoplasm. Bacteria are prokaryotic.

Genetic material (DNA)

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Some organisms are eukaryotic.

5. The cells of eukaryotic organisms have their genetic material (DNA) contained within a nucleus. Plants,

animals, and fungi are eukaryotic.

Genetic Material (DNA)

From Cell to Organism

Cells

Cells carry out all life processes.6. The cells in your body are specialized to do specific jobs.

Did you know that there are approximately 200 different types of cells in your body?

Some of the specialized cells in your body include:

7. Muscle cells: help parts of your body move

8. Nerve cells: receive and send messages within your body

9. Bone Cells: support and protect your body

10. Immune Cells: help your body fight diseases

11.Blood Cells: transport materials to all parts of your body

12.Skin Cells: cover and protect your body

Cell Organization

In multicellular organisms, cell scientists learned that cells that did the same job were similar in their size and shape. They realized that cells have different structures because of their function.

13. A group of cells that are similar and act together to do a certain job make up a larger part of your body called tissue.

Organs

14.Two or more tissues working together form an organ.

Example: the heart is an organ made up of cardiac muscle tissue, nerve tissue, and blood tissues

Can you name some other organs?

Organ Systems

15.Two or more organs working together to perform a certain function is an organ system.

Example: Your cardiovascular system is made up of several organs working together including at least, your nervous, circulatory , respiratory, and muscular systems

16.Organism is made up of many organ systems working together to carry out all of life’s functions.