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THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE : CELL

Cell:-The bodies of living organisms are made up of microscopic units called cells. The cell is the basic structural and
functional unit of living organisms.

Cell organelle:- each cell has got certain specific components within it known as cell organelles. Each kind of cell
organelles perform a special function,e.g., making of new material in the cell such as protein synthesis by ribosome,
food synthesis by chloroplasts, clearing up the waste substances from the cell by the lysosomes Etc. Thus a cell is
able to live and perform functions because of cell organelles.

Protoplasm:- a cell is made up of a life giving substance called protoplasm. Protoplasm is an aggregate of molecules
of various chemicals such as water ions salts and organic molecules. Organic molecules of protoplasm are proteins,
carbohydrates, fats and nucleic acid. Protoplasm is usually differentiated into the nucleolus and cytoplasm.

Gene:-it is a distinct unit of hereditary information, gene is inherited from one generation to another and determines
the observable characteristic or trait of an organism. Genes have to carry the coded information from parents to the
children. So the children remains exactly like parents.

DNA:- deoxyribonucleic acid; a polymeric nucleic acid.

The three basic characteristics of true cell

1. They contain a set of genes. All the cell contain genetic material in the form of DNA and RNA, which contains
gene. Genes has coded information for regulation of Cellular function and for production of new cell.
2. They contain a limiting plasma membrane. Every type of cell is bounded by a plasma membrane which is
living, ultra thin membrane of molecules of lipids and proteins. The membrane permits the exchange of
matter and energy with the cells external world.

BY VIVEK MISHRA THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE : CELL

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3. They contain metabolic machinery. All cells contain a cytoplasm having various cellular organelles such as
mitochondria, chloroplast, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus. Cytoplasm is needed for sustain life
activities such as feeding, respiration, circulation, excretion, osmoregulation, biosynthesis, growth,
reproduction and repair of parts etc,.

PROKARYOTIC CELL EUKARYOTIC CELL

1. Small size (1-10µm) 1. Large size (5-100µm
2. Nucleus is absent. 2. Nucleus is present.
3. Contains single chromosomes. 3. Contains more tha n one chromosomes.
4. Membrane bound cell organelles are absent. 4. Cell organelles such as mitochondria,
plastids, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi
apparatus, lysosomes, perixosomes,
etc., are present.
5. Cell division takes place by fission or 5. Cell division occurs due to the mitotic or
budding. (no miotosis). meiotic cell division.

BY VIVEK MISHRA THE FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF LIFE : CELL