do you have basic cell structure
typical plant vs animal cells
organelles- stucture and function
DNA
DNA replication
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "basic cell structure " to get these possible sources:
http://staff.jccc.net/pdecell/cells/basiccell.html
http://anthro.palomar.edu/biobasis/bio_1.htm
http://www.zimbio.com/Organelles/articles/5/Basic+Cell+Structure+their+components
http://www.tutorvista.com/search/basic-cell-structure
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
Yes, I can explain the basic cell structure, the differences between plant and animal cells, the structure and function of organelles, as well as the process of DNA replication.
1. Basic Cell Structure:
All cells, regardless of whether they are plant or animal cells, have several common structures:
- Cell Membrane: A thin, flexible barrier that surrounds and protects the cell. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
- Cytoplasm: A gel-like substance inside the cell where various cellular components are suspended.
- Nucleus: A membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material, DNA.
- Mitochondria: Structures known as the "powerhouse" of the cell because they generate energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): A network of membranes involved in the production of proteins and lipids.
- Golgi Apparatus: Responsible for processing, packaging, and sorting proteins and lipids for transport within or outside of the cell.
- Ribosomes: Tiny structures responsible for protein synthesis.
- Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.
- Vacuoles: Membrane-bound sacs involved in storage and transport of substances within the cell.
- Cytoskeleton: A network of protein filaments that provides structural support and helps in cell movement.
2. Plant vs. Animal Cells:
Plant and animal cells have some similarities but also notable differences:
- Cell Wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose outside the cell membrane, providing structural support and protection. Animal cells lack a cell wall.
- Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.
- Vacuoles: Plant cells typically have a large central vacuole for storing water, nutrients, and waste materials. Animal cells have smaller and numerous vacuoles, mainly for storing materials temporarily.
3. Organelles - Structure and Function:
Here are some key organelles found in both plant and animal cells:
- Nucleus: Contains the cell's DNA, which controls cellular activities and carries genetic information.
- Mitochondria: The powerhouse of the cell that produces energy through cellular respiration.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Responsible for protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. It comes in two types: the rough ER (with ribosomes) involved in protein synthesis and the smooth ER (without ribosomes) involved in lipid synthesis.
- Golgi Apparatus: Processes, modifies, and packages proteins and lipids for transport within and out of the cell.
- Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.
- Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes and break down waste materials.
- Vacuoles: Storage and transport of substances within the cell.
- Cytoskeleton: Provides structural support, cellular movement, and organelle positioning.
4. DNA Replication:
DNA replication is the process by which DNA molecules make exact copies of themselves. It occurs during the cell cycle's synthesis (S) phase. Here are the key steps:
- Initiation: The two strands of DNA unwind and separate, forming a replication fork.
- Elongation: DNA polymerase enzymes attach to each strand and synthesize new complementary DNA strands by adding appropriate nucleotides.
- Termination: The replication process continues in both directions, synthesizing new DNA molecules until the entire DNA helix is replicated.
- Each new DNA molecule consists of one original (parental) DNA strand and one newly synthesized (daughter) DNA strand.
Understanding the basics of cell structure, organelle functions, and DNA replication can help you grasp the fundamental processes occurring within cells.