Introduction to Cells: The Basic Units of Life By Caitlin

All living things, no matter how simple or complex, are made up of cells. They are the basic units of life. In 1665, a scientist named Robert Hooke became the first to look at a cell, and with this discovery, he was able to revolutionize science. There are many interesting facts about cells. Did you know that we have nearly 100 trillion cells in our body? Also, the Ostrich egg is considered to be the largest cell in the world, weighing up to 3 pounds. Did you know that we carry around more bacterial cells than normal cells? How do you think that the discovery of cells changed the way we view ourselves and other living things?

Types of Cells: There are many different types of cells, but they all fit under one of two categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The distinction between these two types of cells is considered to be one of the most important among groups of organisms. Eukaryotic cells, like the one shown in the diagram below, contain membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells, also shown below, do not. Eukaryotes are more complex organisms like animals and plants. Prokaryotes are typically unicellular, but some can be multicellular.

                      

Basic Cell Structure:

Nucleus-The nucleus is the control center of the cell, and it houses all of the DNA.

Membrane-This is the outer boundary of the cell. It controls what is let in and out of the cell.

Mitochondria-This is where the cell gets its energy from. They turn the food you eat into ATP molecules.

Ribosomes-These organelles are like factories. They create proteins for the cell to use.

Cytoplasm-This is the gel-like substance that fills up the rest of the cell. It is mostly made of water.

Summary: Cells are an incredibly important part of life. I think it is most amazing that these tiny cells are able to operate and function like a city. Each and every organelle has a specific duty to carry out inside of the cell, and they all do it so smoothly and efficiently.