Please help! I am having a hard time. Can you give me some help with the cell theory point- Cells are the basic unit of structure and function of all living things. I have to include in my essay how this point explains how humans and bacteria are alike. I pretty much have the other two points taken care of but I am having MAJOR trouble trying to explain this point.

Cells are the basic unit of structure and function for all living things.

I think I would list the characteristics of living things, such as energy production, reproduction, etc, and explain how single cells do this, then discuss how these characteristics apply to single celled organisms (bacteria), and to multicellular organisms (humans).

So you need to list the functions associated with "living" organisms.

http://www.google.com/search?q=cells+are+the+basic+unit+of+structure++and+function+for+all+living+things&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Of course, I'd be happy to help you explain how the cell theory point - "Cells are the basic unit of structure and function of all living things" - explains how humans and bacteria are alike. Understanding this concept is fundamental to understanding the similarities between these two types of organisms.

To explain this point in your essay, you can follow these steps:

1. Define the cell theory: Begin by introducing the concept of the cell theory, which states that all living organisms are composed of cells that are the basic structural and functional units of life. Include that this theory was first proposed by scientists Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow in the 19th century.

2. Explain the basic unit of structure: Detail how both humans and bacteria have cells as their basic unit of structure. Describe how the cells in both organisms provide the necessary framework for their overall body structure. In humans, cells come together to form tissues, organs, and systems, each with specific functions. Similarly, bacteria have cells that contain genetic material and perform necessary functions for their survival.

3. Highlight the basic unit of function: Emphasize that cells also serve as the basic unit of function in both humans and bacteria. Explain that within the cells, various organelles and cellular structures perform specific functions that are vital to the survival and proper functioning of the organism. For example, both humans and bacteria have cells that produce energy (through mitochondria in humans and through cellular respiration in bacteria), carry out metabolic processes, and regulate homeostasis.

4. Draw parallels between humans and bacteria: Compare and contrast how cells in humans and bacteria function. While human cells are more complex and organized into different specialized types, bacterial cells are simpler. However, both types of cells still fulfill similar functions such as reproducing, metabolizing, and responding to their environment.

5. Discuss similarities in cellular processes: Elaborate on specific cellular processes that occur in both humans and bacteria, highlighting the shared aspects. For example, both organisms rely on cellular respiration to convert energy stored in food molecules into usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Both organisms also have DNA as their genetic material, which contains the instructions necessary for sustaining life.

Incorporating these explanations into your essay will help you convey how the cell theory point explains the similarities between humans and bacteria. Remember to use appropriate examples and evidence to support your explanations, and make sure to provide clear and concise connections between the cell theory and the similarities of these organisms.