CHAPTER 2: CELLS AND TISSUES

Cells- are the structural units of all living things, from one-celled organisms such as
amoebas to complex multicellular organisms such as humans, dogs, and tress. The
human body contains 50 100 trillion of these tiny building blocks.
Overview of the Cellular Basis of Life
Robert Hooke- was looking through a crude microscope at some plant tissue-cork.
He saw some cubelike structures that reminded him of the long rows of monk’s rooms
(or cells) at the monastery, so he named these structures “CELLS”.
Cell Theory

 A cell is a basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. So, when
you define cell properties, you are in fact defining the properties of life.
 The activity of an organism depends on the collective activities of its cells.
 According to the principle of complementarity, the activities of cells are dictated
by their structure (anatomy), which determines function (physiology).
 Continuity of life has a cellular basis. In other words, cells come from cells.
Anatomy of a Generalized Cell
Three Main Regions of Cells

1. Plasma Membrane- is a flexible, fragile, transparent barrier that contains the cell
contents and separates them from surrounding environment. It is also described as
the fluid mosaic model. The principal components of the plasma membrane are lipids
(phospholipids and cholesterol), proteins, and carbohydrates groups. The structure is
phospholipid bilayer. The function is regulates the transport of materials entering and
exiting the cell.
2. Nucleus- anything that works, works best when it is controlled, cells
“headquarters” or control center. The genetic material, or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),
is a blueprint that contains all the instructions needed for building the whole body; so,
as you might expect, human DNA differs from frog DNA. More specifically, DNA has
genes, which carry the instructions for building proteins. DNA is also absolutely
necessary for cell reproduction. The nucleus has three recognizable regions or
structures: the nuclear envelope,
nucleolus, and chromatin.

3. Cytoplasm- cellular region between the nuclear and plasma membranes. Consists
of fluid cytosol containing dissolved solutes organelles (the metabolic machinery of the
cytoplasm and inclusions (stored nutrients, secretory products, pigment granules).
 BODY TISSUES

1.
Epithelial Tissue – is the lining, covering, and glandular tissue of the body. Covering
and lining epithelium covers all free body surfaces, both inside and out, and contains
versatile cells. Epithelial functions include protection, absorption, filtration, and
secretion. Example: the epithelium of the skin protects against bacterial and chemical
damage, and the epithelium lining the respiratory tract has cilia, which sweep dust
and other debris away from the lungs.
2. Connective Tissue- as the name suggests, connects body parts. It is found
everywhere in the body. It is the most abundant and widely distributed of the tissue
types. Connective tissues perform many functions, but primarily involved in
protecting, supporting, cushioning, and insulating other tissues.
3. Muscle Tissue- are highly specialized to contract, or shorten, which generates the
force required to produce movement. In order to contract, muscle must also be
irritable, that is, able to respond to stimuli. There are three types of muscle tissue:
skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.
4. Nervous Tissue- neurons receive and send electrochemical impulses from one part
of the body to another; thus, irritability and connectivity are their two major functional
characteristics.