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What is a Cell?

A cell is defined as the most basic, structural and functional unit of all living organisms. Essentially, a cell is a structure that contains organelles which provide the necessary functions to sustain itself. However, not all cells are the same.

Plants have cells that are vastly different from animals. One of the primary differences between the two is the absence of cell walls in animal cells. Cells also vary in size, with the largest one in the human body being the egg or the female ovum. It measures roughly 1 millimetre across. The smallest cell is the granule cell which is found in the human cerebellum, measuring roughly around 4.5 micrometres in size.

Cell Theory

This scientific theory, initially formulated by Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, proposed that all living organisms are composed of cells, and new cells are formed from pre-existing cells. Even though the theory was put forth by Schleiden and Schwann, other notable scientists have contributed to this theory, turning its status from a theory to a universally accepted fact.

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells are unicellular microorganisms and one of the most ancient organisms on earth. There are many types of prokaryotes, some of which are extremophiles. Others are photoautotrophic, able to produce nutrients from the energy of the Sun.

A typical prokaryotic cell is made up of a single membrane, and therefore, all the reactions occur within the cytoplasm. They can be free-living or can be found within the gut of other organisms, such as ruminants (cows and buffaloes).

Eukaryotic Cells

Unlike prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus enclosed within a membrane. All multicellular organisms are eukaryotic, and they fall under the domain of Eukaryota. Structurally, eukaryotic cells are much larger than prokaryotic cells,  typically having a volume 10,000 times greater than prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells also possess many membrane-bound organelles devoted to various life functions.

Cell Organelles

Eukaryotes possess many cellular organelles that perform various functions. Some of these organelles, such as the cell wall, are exclusive to plant cells.

  • Cell Membrane
  • Cell wall
  • Mitochondria
  • Plastids
  • Ribosomes
  • Cytoskeletons
  • Centrosome
  • Centrioles
  • Nucleus
  • Microbodies
  • Cilia and Flagella
  • Endomembrane systems which consist of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Plant cells have centrally placed vacuoles.

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