Inside the Cell

All living things are made of cells, which are the smallest units of life. Cells come in two major types: prokaryotic (like bacteria) and eukaryotic (like plants and animals).

Major Cell Components

• Nucleus: Stores genetic material (DNA).
• Mitochondria: The powerhouse, producing ATP energy.
• Ribosomes: Make proteins.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).
• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies and ships proteins.
• Plasma Membrane: Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Plant vs. Animal Cells

Plant cells have unique features:

• Cell wall for structure.
• Chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
• Large central vacuole for storage.

Animal cells usually have centrioles for cell division.

Fun Fact

The human body contains about 37 trillion cells, each working like a tiny factory!

Organizing Life

Cells organize into tissues, organs, and systems, allowing complex life forms.