The Cell: Different Types of Cells

The Cell
The cell is the basic unit of life. Some organisms are made up of a single cell, like
bacteria, while others are made up of trillions of cells. Human beings are made up of
cells, too.
Different Types of Cells
There are lots of different types of cells. Each type of cell is different and performs a
different function. In the human body, we have nerve cells which can be as long as from
our feet to our spinal cord. Nerve cells help to transport messages around the body. We
also have billions of tiny little brain cells which help us think and muscle cells which help
us move around. There are many more cells in our body that help us to function and
stay alive.
Although there are lots of different kinds of cells, they are often divided into two main
categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.
Prokaryotic Cells - The prokaryotic cell is a simple, small cell with no nucleus.
Organisms made from prokaryotic cells are very small, such as bacteria. There are
three main regions of the prokaryotic cell:
1) The outside protection or "envelope" of the cell. This is made up of the cell wall,
membrane, and capsule.
2) The flagella, which are a whip-like appendages that can help the cell to move. Note:
not all prokaryotic cells have flagella.
3) The inside of the cell called the cytoplasmic region. This region includes the nucleoid,
cytoplasm, and ribosomes.
Eukaryotic Cells - These cells are typically a lot bigger and more complex than
prokaryotic cells. They have a defined cell nucleus which houses the cell's DNA. These
are the types of cells we find in plants and animals.
Parts of the Cell
There are a lot of parts and functions to some cells. Here are some of the main
components many cells have:
 Membrane - This is the outer boundary of the cell. Sort of like the skin. It allows
some substances in and keeps others out.
 Mitochondria - This is where the cell gets its energy. In the human body, food
we have digested reacts with oxygen in the mitochondria to make energy for the
cell.
 Ribosomes - Ribosomes are like tiny factories that make different things the cell
needs to function, like proteins.
 Nucleus - The nucleus is the brains of the cell. It uses chromosomes to instruct
the rest of the cell what to do next.
 Cytoplasm - This is the stuff that fills up the rest of the cell. The other
components of the cell float around in the cytoplasm. It's mostly water.
 Lysosomes - These guys clean up the place getting rid of waste and other
unwanted substances that may get into the cell.
The machines inside the cell like the nucleus, ribosomes, and lysosomes are called
organelles.
Fun Facts About Cells
 They were discovered by the scientist Robert Hooke.

 One of the largest known cells is the ostrich egg which can weigh over three
pounds.
 When many cells of the same kind are together in a group, it's call tissue.
 The word cell comes from the Latin word cellula, which means small
compartment.
 Humans actually carry more bacteria cells than human cells. Yuck!
Cell Division and Cycle
Living organisms are constantly making new cells. They make new cells in order to
grow and also to replace old dead cells. The process by which new cells are made is
called cell division. Cell division is occurring all the time. Around two trillion cell divisions
occur in the average human body every day!
Types of Cell Division
There are three main types of cell division: binary fission, mitosis, and meiosis. Binary
fission is used by simple organisms like bacteria. More complex organisms gain new
cells by either mitosis or meiosis.
Mitosis
Mitosis is used when a cell needs to be replicated into exact copies of itself. Everything
in the cell is duplicated. The two new cells have the same DNA, functions, and genetic
code. The original cell is called the mother cell and the two new cells are called
daughter cells. The full process, or cycle, of mitosis is described in more detail below.
Examples of cells that are produced through mitosis include cells in the human body for
the skin, blood, and muscles.
Cell Cycle for Mitosis
Cells go through different phases called the cell cycle. The "normal" state of a cell is
called the "interphase". The genetic material is duplicated during the interphase stage of
the cell. When a cell gets the signal that it is to duplicate, it will enter the first state of
mitosis called the "prophase".
 Prophase - During this phase the chromatin condenses into chromosomes and
the nuclear membrane and nucleolus break down.
 Metaphase - During metaphase the chromosomes line up along the middle of the
cell.
 Anaphase - During anaphase the chromosomes separate and move to opposite

sides of the cell.
 Telophase - During telophase the cell forms two nuclear membranes around
each set of chromosomes and the chromosomes uncoil. The cell walls then pinch
off and split down the middle. The two new cells, or daughter cells, are formed.
The splitting of the cells is called cytokinesis or cell cleavage.
Click on picture for larger view

Meiosis
Meiosis is used when it is time for the entire organism to reproduce. There are two main
differences between mitosis and meiosis. First, the meiosis process has two divisions.
When meiosis is complete, a single cell produces four new cells instead of just two. The
second difference is that the new cells only have half the DNA of the original cell. This is
important for life on Earth as it allows for new genetic combinations to occur which
produces variety in life.
Examples of cells that undergo meiosis include cells used in sexual reproduction called
gametes.
Diploids and Haploids
The cells produced from mitosis are called diploids because they have two complete
sets of chromosomes.
The cells produced from meiosis are called haploids because they only have half the
number of chromosomes as the original cell.
Binary Fission
Simple organisms such as bacteria undergo a type of cell division called binary fission.
First the DNA replicates and the cell grows to twice its normal size. Then the duplicate
strands of DNA move to opposite sides of the cell. Next, the cell wall "pinches" off in the
middle forming two separate cells.

The Cell: Different Types of Cells

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Cell: Different Types of Cells

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Cell: Different Types of Cells

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Cell

Different Types of Cells

Fun Facts About Cells

 They were discovered by the scientist Robert Hooke.

Types of Cell Division

Cell Cycle for Mitosis

 Anaphase - During anaphase the chromosomes separate and move to opposite

Click on picture for larger view

Diploids and Haploids

You might also like