Explain cell - the basic unit of life, Science

Assignment Help:

Explain Cell - The Basic Unit of Life

You must be aware of the fact that the cell is the basic unit of life. What do you understand by the term 'cell'? What are the components of the cell, its structural features and functions that make it such an essential component of all the living beings? Well, here in this section, we shall study about all these aspects related to cell. What would be the answer to the question what is a cell? Well, a cell is the smallest self-functioning unit found in all the living organisms. Cells may exist as independent units of life (as in monads) or may form colonies or tissues as in the higher plants and animals. Each cell is enclosed by an outer membrane or wall called as the cell membrane. A cell has receptors on its surface which have unique functions and identifying properties. Also, it contains genetic material (DNA) and other parts to carry out its life functions. Within the cell are the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The nucleus contains the genetic material-DNA.

The cytoplasm contains organelles that carry out the cell's functions. We shall read about these components of the cell in a little while from now. An aggregation of cells having a common origin and performing a similar but one or more specific functions in the body constitute a tissue (e.g. muscle). Several types of tissues may join collectively to form an organ that carries out one or more specific functions (e.g., kidney, liver, leaf and roots). In majority of animals, several organs are interrelated to perform a specific function within a multicellular organism and thus constitute an organ-system.

We will learn about this organ systems i.e. gastrointestinal system, renal system in the subsequent units. You would realize that several types of organ-systems in the body of an organism show unique example of division of labor. It is important to note that the cells are not only the building blocks of the body, but are the functional unit of life too. Every cell arises from pre-existing cells. The cells have the same genetic material. It is, therefore, capable of giving rise to a new individual. This potential of the cell to give rise to unlike cells and so to develop a new organism or a part is termed as totipotency. Interestingly, all the activities of an organism are present in miniature form in each and every cell. Therefore, the cell can be called as a basic unit of life and the structural unit of an organism. 'All organisms are composed of cells'. 'All cells come from pre- existing cells'. These two statements constitute the cell theory.


Related Discussions:- Explain cell - the basic unit of life

Explain myocurdial ischemia and infarction, Explain Myocurdial Ischemia and...

Explain Myocurdial Ischemia and Infarction Myocardial ischemia (insufficient blood flow) or myocardial infarction (death of heart cells) reduces myocardial contractile force an

Absorption of proteins, Absorption of Proteins Proteolytic enzymes brea...

Absorption of Proteins Proteolytic enzymes break  the dietary  Proteins and proteins  into amino acids or di-  and  tripeptides.  In  fact,  it  is  in  this  form  that the di

Minerals, Minerals: Our bones and teeth contain large amounts of calc...

Minerals: Our bones and teeth contain large amounts of calcium. An adult has a total of about 1 kg of calcium and a baby has about 30g in their bones. So, during the period o

Explain the regulation of blood composition, Explain the Regulation of Bloo...

Explain the Regulation of Blood Composition Each part of the nephron has different types of cells with different properties. An understanding of this is important to know how t

Clouds formed at the highest altitude, Which are clouds formed at the highe...

Which are clouds formed at the highest altitude: cirrocumulus

Experminet of a simple siphon, Normal 0 false false false ...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Personality assessment system, Mr. X was administered the Personality Asses...

Mr. X was administered the Personality Assessment System (PAS), which is an individually-administered assessment of a person's personality structure and function. His total P score

Systems view of life, Systems view of life: Evolution has given rise to...

Systems view of life: Evolution has given rise to various types of  life forms from single celled bacteria to organisms as complex as a human being. It may interest you to know

Explain the inulin clearance test, Explain the Inulin Clearance Test In...

Explain the Inulin Clearance Test Inulin is a complex polysaccharide found in specific plant roots. In the test, a fixed amount of inulin is infused into the blood at a constan

Fetus, Few sentences about fetus in human being? Definition, development, &...

Few sentences about fetus in human being? Definition, development, & important notes?

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd