THE CELL
All living matter is composed of functional units called cells. At one end of the scale in the animal kingdom, there are unicellular organisms composed of a single cell (eg. Protazoa or Amoeba). In an amoeba all the vital processes of the animal take place inside a single cell.
Cells are capable of digesting food, growing, respiring, excreting, secreting, reproducing and responding to stimuli. All these things happen in a single-celled animal.
At the other end of the scale, there are the multi-cellular organisms such as the higher animals and humans. In these organisms, the cells become specialised, and one or more of these different functions may be lost.
Parts of the Human Cell
The various parts of the human cell and their functions are:
Cell Membrane
This is the outer layer of the cell. It gives the cell its shape and holds the liquid inside the cell. This membrane is a semi-permeable membrane which means it allows certain things to pass in and out of the cell.
Nucleus
The nucleus contains the nucleolus; this is the part of the cell which holds the genetic material, the chromosomes and chromatin which are concerned with reproduction of the cell.
Nucleolus
A spherical body inside a nucleus made of protein, RNA and DNA. The nucleolus is involved in the synthesis and storage of ribosomal RNA.
Cytoplasm
This is the fluid inside the cell which contains salts and sugars in solution.
Golgi Apparatus
This stores food inside the cell. Also note the fat droplets which float about in the cytoplasm and are also a means of storing food in the form of fats. Also called Golgi complex.
Lysosomes
These are digestive centres in the cell and help to digest and break down food material.
Centriole
This is concerned with cell division, the reproduction of the cell and the movement of cell chromosomes.
Mitochondrion
This is concerned with the respiration of the cell. As the end product of all respiration is energy, it is also a source of energy. (Plural + mitochondria).
Endoplasmic Reticulum
This is the part where protein is manufactured or built up from nitrogen.
Fibrils
These are concerned with nervous responses.
Microtubule
These are tiny tubes inside the cells.
Microvilli
Tiny finger like bumps in the surface of the cell (ie. bumps in the cell wall)
These serve to increase the surface area of the cell, hence improving the ability to absorb particles into the cell.
Cilia
Long hair or tail like structure projecting from a single cell, used to propel the cell (enables it to move or swim).
Chromatin
A mass of thread like genetic material, mainly DNA, present inside the nucleus when the cell is not dividing/reproducing.
Nuclear Envelope
Wall of material surrounding/containing the nucleus.
Glycogen
Complex polymer (compound) of glucose. This acts as a storage/supply of glucose on liver and muscle cells.
Peroxisome
Similar to lysosomes; an organelle containing enzymes that use oxygen to oxidise different organic compounds. These are common in liver cells.
Microfilament
A filament of protein. They are contractile units in muscle cells.
They provide support, shape and movement in non-muscle cells.
Free Ribosomes
An organelle suspended in cytoplasm that synthesises proteins.
Contains ribosomal RNA and ribosomal proteins.
Secretory Vesicle
Tiny bladder or sac in the cell that secretes or expels unwanted material.
Although the cell is very, very small, you can see that it contains many different parts. It also carries out many different functions.
FROM CELLS TO BODIES
Humans are multi-cellular organisms. The single cells, many of which are specialised so that they can perform a particular function, are grouped together to form tissues. These tissues in turn form special groups called organs. The groups of organs make up a system, and the systems join together to form a living body.
HUMAN TISSUES
There are five basic types of tissue found in humans:
- Epithelial tissues
- Connective tissues
- Fluid tissues
- Muscle tissues
- Nervous tissues
Epithelial tissues
These are formed from cells which join together to form covering layers, for example, the skin covering the body. This type of tissue also forms the covering layers of various organs in the body; the lining of the body cavities and the active parts of the glands of the body. Epithelial tissues are made up of specialised cells of various shapes and are joined in different ways as shown. You do not need to memorise all the different types of epithelial tissue - just be aware they exist!
Connective tissues
This is the tissue which joins other tissues together. Connective tissues give form and strength to many organs, and often serve for protection and leverage. Examples of connective tissue are: bones; tendons; ligaments; cartilage and fat.
Fluid tissues
These tissues transport food nutrients and waste products around the body. Blood is a good example of a fluid tissue.
Muscle tissues
There are three types of muscle tissues:
- Striated or voluntary muscle tissue which is the type found in your arms and legs and which you can rest as you wish. Skeletal muscle is made up of striated
muscle fibres supported by connective tissues attached to bone by tendons or an
aponeurosis, and stimulated by nerves;
- Smooth or involuntary muscle tissue works automatically and cannot be controlled by you. Involuntary muscle tissue would be found in the muscle in the intestine which moves food along though the gut.
- Cardiac muscle tissue is also involuntary and cannot be controlled by you. This type of muscle tissue is found in the heart.
Muscle tissue is made so that it can expand and contract. You contract (shorten) the muscles of your arm when you pick up a brick and expand (lengthen) them when you stretch out your arm. The involuntary muscles of the body expand and contract on their own (think how your heart beats without your control).
Nervous tissue
The nerve cells which make up this tissue are sensitive to stimuli, such as heat and touch. They can link up charges and transmit impulses through the nervous system.
These are the different types of tissues, but remember that, although they are different from each other because they perform different functions, they are all made up of cells. These cells are the basic units of life. They take in food or nutrients, utilise the nutrients and produce energy and waste products. That is the basic process of living - the breakdown of food into energy and waste products. This process goes on in plants and animals (including humans).
Source: ACS Distance Education