Chapter 7.1, Problem 3MI

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Definition of term cell, cell theory, plasma membrane, organelle, eukaryotic cells, nucleus, prokaryotic cells.

Explanation of Solution

Cell: It is a basic functional and structural unit of life. A cell has all the characteristics essential for a living organism. Every organism is made up of cells. Some organisms are made up of single cell and some of them are made up of multiple cells.

Cell theory: It is a theory that states all living organism are made of cells and it is basic unit of a living organism and a cell always arise from the preexisting cell. It also explains basic composition of a cell.

Plasma membrane: It is also known as the cell membrane that encloses the components of a cell, hence, can also be referred as boundary of the cells. It separates the external and the internal environment of a cell.

Organelle: It is a subcellular structure which is similar to an organ to the cells. They are generally membrane bound and perform specific function.

Eukaryotic cells: The term eukaryotic cell represents a cell having a true nucleus and other membrane bound organelle. They are advanced type cells. Example- animal cells.

Nucleus: Th nucleus is an organelle, which contain the DNA or the genetic material of the cells. It is enclosed by nuclear membrane which separate internal component of the nucleus from the cytoplasm.

Prokaryotic cells: The term prokaryotic cell represents a primitive cell that does not have a nucleus and represent simple cellular organization. These cell lacks membrane bound organelles and have genetic material suspended in the cytoplasm. Example- bacterial cell.