Cells – Lesson Summary

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Learning Objective

In this lesson we will learn how cells are the fundamental building blocks of all living things.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • Distinguish between unicellular and multicellular organisms.
  • Describe components that are common to all cells.
  • Differentiate between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.
  • Define what an organelle is and give examples.
  • Compare animal cells, plant cells and fungal cells.

 
cells lesson contents

(Image: kaibara87, Wikimedia Commons)

Lesson Topics

1 | The Building Blocks of Living Things

2 | Components Common to All Cells

3 | Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

4 | Eukaryotic Organelles

5 | Animal Cells

6 | Plant Cells

7 | Fungal Cells

8 | Summary

Lesson Summary

  • Cells are the building blocks of all living things.
  • Unicellular organisms consist of a single cell.
  • Multicellular organisms consist of many cells.
  • The classification of the five kingdoms of life is based on differences in cell structure.
  • All cells contain a cell membrane, DNA, ribosomes and cytosol.
  • Organelles are specialised membrane-bound structures that perform specific functions within a cell.
  • The two major types of cells are eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells.
  • Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
  • They are larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells.
  • Eukaryotic organisms include animals, plants, fungi and protists.
  • Prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus or any other membrane-bound organelles.
  • They are smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.
  • Prokaryotic organisms include bacteria.
  • In addition to a nucleus, all eukaryotic cells contain mitochondria, endoplasmic reticula, Golgi apparatuses, vesicles, vacuoles and peroxisomes.
  • Animal cells also contain lysosomes and centrosomes.
  • Plant cells also contain chloroplasts, a cell wall, a central vacuole and amyloplasts.
  • Fungal cells also contain a cell wall.

 

Cell Animal Plant Fungus Protist Bacterium
Cell Membrane yes yes yes yes yes
DNA yes yes yes yes yes
Ribosomes yes yes yes yes yes
Nucleus yes yes yes yes no
Mitochondria yes yes yes yes no
Endoplasmic Reticulum yes yes yes yes no
Golgi Apparatus yes yes yes yes no
Cell Wall no yes yes some yes
Central Vacuole no yes no no no
Chloroplasts no yes no some no

Summary of organelles and structures found in different types of cells

(Header image: sinhyu, Adobe Stock)