Cell Biology 101

People that understand cell biology appreciate exactly what the body does to keep going on a daily basis. This article will give a simple overview of the intricacy of cell biology.

The Cell

In cell biology, a cell makes up all living organisms and is considered a "building block of life". Bacterial cells contain one cell whereas humans have 100 trillion cells. Cells contain hereditary information that pass to the cells being produced in the future. Cell biology is a complicated process.

What It Does

The cell takes in nutrients and converts them to energy, reproduces and stores instructions for activities. In cell biology, the cell itself has the ability to divide and uses enzymes and proteins coded for DNA; and responds to changes in temperature, PH or nutrient levels.

Surrounding the Cell

A cell membrane surrounds the cell with lipids and molecules that separate it from the environment and regulate what moves in and out (molecules or ions).

Genetic Material

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are present and use DNA for long-term information and RNA transports the information. The cell nucleus and mitochondria (a circular DNA molecule) store the genetic material in a human cell. Mitochondria give energy by adding oxygen to food. The cell nucleus also includes chromosomes and protects the DNA and RNA from molecules that could damage the structure. For those studying cell biology, the cell nucleus is the center of activity.

Other Functions

The complexity of cell biology is evident in the function of ER (endoplasmic reticulum) that transports molecules designated for specific functions. The Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins and lipids within the cell. The protein production center is called a ribosome. Digestive enzymes (Lysosomes) digest worn out organelles (which is enclosed with its own separate lipid membrane), food particles, viruses and bacteria. The centrosome is like a manager that directs transport through the ER and Golgi apparatus. Vacuoles can pump out water if too much is present and store food and waste.

Cell Division