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    Cell Biology

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    Notes on cell biology covering topics like cell structure, organelles, the cell cycle, and key processes

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    Cell Biology

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    Notes on cell biology covering topics like cell structure, organelles, the cell cycle, and key processes

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    Notes on cell biology covering topics like cell structure, organelles, the cell cycle, and key processes

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    Cell Biology

    Uploaded by

    a
    Notes on cell biology covering topics like cell structure, organelles, the cell cycle, and key processes

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    1.

    Introduction to Cell Biology

    ●​ Definition: Cell biology is the study of the structure, function, and behavior of cells,
    which are the basic units of life.
    ●​ Cell Theory:
    1.​ All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
    2.​ The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.
    3.​ All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

    2. Types of Cells

    ●​ Prokaryotic Cells:
    ○​ No nucleus; DNA is free-floating in the cytoplasm.
    ○​ Smaller and simpler (e.g., bacteria and archaea).
    ○​ Lack membrane-bound organelles.
    ○​ Have structures like cell wall, plasma membrane, ribosomes, and sometimes
    flagella or pili.
    ●​ Eukaryotic Cells:
    ○​ Contain a nucleus where DNA is stored.
    ○​ Larger and more complex (e.g., plants, animals, fungi, protists).
    ○​ Contain membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic
    reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.

    3. Cell Structure and Organelles

    Animal Cell vs. Plant Cell


    Feature Animal Cell Plant Cell

    Cell Wall Absent Present (made of


    cellulose)

    Chloroplasts Absent Present

    Vacuole Small or absent Large central vacuole

    Shape Irregular or round Rectangular

    Key Organelles and Their Functions

    1.​ Plasma Membrane:


    ○​ Semi-permeable membrane that controls movement of substances in and out
    of the cell.
    ○​ Made of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
    2.​ Nucleus:
    ○​ Contains DNA and regulates gene expression.
    ○​ Enclosed by the nuclear envelope with nuclear pores.
    3.​ Mitochondria:
    ○​ Powerhouse of the cell; site of ATP (energy) production.
    ○​ Has a double membrane and its own DNA.
    4.​ Ribosomes:
    ○​ Sites of protein synthesis.
    ○​ Can be free-floating or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).
    5.​ Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
    ○​ Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis.
    ○​ Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids and detoxifies chemicals.
    6.​ Golgi Apparatus:
    ○​ Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.
    7.​ Lysosomes:
    ○​ Contain enzymes for digestion and recycling of cellular waste (mostly in
    animal cells).
    8.​ Chloroplasts (Plant Cells):
    ○​ Site of photosynthesis; contain chlorophyll.
    9.​ Vacuole:
    ○​ Stores nutrients, water, and waste; provides structural support in plant cells.
    10.​Cytoskeleton:
    ○​ Network of protein fibers that maintain cell shape and aid in movement.
    ○​ Includes microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.

    4. The Cell Cycle

    ●​ Definition: The sequence of growth and division in a cell.


    ●​ Phases of the Cell Cycle:
    1.​ Interphase:
    ■​ G1 Phase: Cell grows and performs normal functions.
    ■​ S Phase: DNA is replicated.
    ■​ G2 Phase: Cell prepares for division by producing proteins and
    organelles.
    2.​ Mitotic (M) Phase:
    ■​ Mitosis: Division of the nucleus.
    ■​ Prophase: Chromosomes condense; spindle fibers form.
    ■​ Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator.
    ■​ Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite
    poles.
    ■​ Telophase: Nuclear envelopes re-form around chromosomes.
    ■​ Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two identical
    daughter cells.

    5. Key Processes in Cell Biology


    a) Cellular Transport:

    ●​ Passive Transport (no energy required):


    ○​ Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
    ○​ Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.
    ○​ Facilitated Diffusion: Transport via proteins.
    ●​ Active Transport (requires energy):
    ○​ Movement of substances against their concentration gradient (e.g.,
    sodium-potassium pump).

    b) Photosynthesis (in Plant Cells):

    ●​ Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂


    ●​ Phases:
    ○​ Light-dependent reactions (in thylakoid membranes).
    ○​ Light-independent reactions / Calvin Cycle (in stroma).

    c) Cellular Respiration:

    ●​ Equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP


    ●​ Stages:
    1.​ Glycolysis (in cytoplasm)
    2.​ Krebs Cycle (in mitochondrial matrix)
    3.​ Electron Transport Chain (in mitochondrial membrane)

    6. Microscopy Techniques in Cell Biology

    ●​ Light Microscope: Uses visible light to observe cells.


    ●​ Electron Microscope:
    ○​ Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): Provides 3D images of the cell
    surface.
    ○​ Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM): Provides detailed internal
    images.

    7. Summary

    ●​ Cells are the fundamental units of life, with unique structures and functions.
    ●​ Organelles play distinct roles in maintaining cellular processes.
    ●​ The cell cycle ensures proper growth, repair, and reproduction.
    ●​ Understanding cellular transport, photosynthesis, and respiration is key to
    appreciating how cells sustain life.

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