Cell as a Basic Unit of Life

Examples of cells

Animal cells

Plant cell

What is cell?

A cell is the basic unit of all living things. All living things include plants, animals and human are made up of cells. A cell is the smallest part in a living thing. The cell structures can be observed by using a microscope. Animal cells and plant cells differ in their shape and functions.

Animal cell
cytoplasm

nucleus

Cell membrane

Plant cell
Nucleus cytoplasm

vacuole

chloroplast Cell membrane

Cell wall

Functions of cell structures

Cell structure Function

Cell membrane

Nucleus

cytoplasm

Controls the movement of materials in and out of the cell Controls all activities of the cell. Contains genetic information Place which chemical reaction take place. Stores dissolved materials.

Cell wall

Maintains the cell in a definite shape

Chloroplast

Contains chlorophyll which absorbs light energy to carries out photosynthesis.

Vacuole

Stores water, dissolved sugar and minerals.