Introduction of Biology

and Cell Structure &

Function
Origins of word “biology”
Biology (Greek or Latin origin)
Bios = life
Logos = study of

Biology is the study of living organisms

and their environment, divided into many
specialized fields that cover their
morphology, physiology, anatomy,
behavior, origin, and distribution.
Properties of organisms
1. Acquire material and Energy
2. Reproduce
3. Maintain HOMEOSTASIS.
4. Organized
5. Respond to stimuli
6. Growth
7. Have an evolutionary history
 Levels Of Biological Organization

1
Non living Levels
2
Living Levels
Nonliving Levels:
1. Atom (element)

2. Molecule (compounds like carbohydrates &

proteins)
3. Organelles (a number of organized or specialized
structures within a living cell such as nucleus,
Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi …)
Living Levels:
1. Cell (makes up ALL organisms)
2. Tissue (cells working together)
3. Organ (heart, brain, stomach …)
4. Organ Systems (respiratory, circulatory …)
5. Organism
6. Population (one species in an area)
7. Community (several populations in an area)
8. Ecosystem (a community plus the physical
environment. (Forest, prairie)
9. Biosphere (regions of the earth‘s crust waters, and
atmosphere inhabited by all living things)
 Definition of Cell

A cell is the smallest unit that is

capable of performing life
functions.
 Examples of Cells
Amoeba Proteus

Plant Stem

Bacteria

Red Blood Cell

Nerve Cell
 Two Types of Cells

•Prokaryotic
•Eukaryotic
 Prokaryotic
• Do not have
structures
surrounded by
membranes
• Few internal
structures
• One-celled
organisms,
Bacteria

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/prokaryotic_cells.html
 Eukaryotic
• Contain organelles surrounded by membranes
• Most living organisms
Plant Animal

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/eukaryotic_cells.html
Prokaryotes
Eukaryotes
 “Typical” Animal Cell

http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~acarpi/NSC/images/cell.gif
 “Typical” Plant Cell

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/images/plant3.gif
Number of Cells
Although ALL living things are made of cells,
organisms may be:
• Unicellular – composed of one cell

• Multicellular- composed of many cells that may

organize into tissues. Cells in multicellular organisms
often specialize (take on different shapes & functions).
Cell Parts
Organelles
Surrounding the Cell
 Cell Membrane
• Outer membrane of cell
that controls movement
in and out of the cell
• Double layer

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Cell Wall
• Most commonly found
in plant cells &
bacteria
• Supports & protects
cells

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
Inside the Cell
 Nucleus

• Directs cell activities

• Separated from cytoplasm by nuclear
membrane
• Contains genetic material - DNA
 Nuclear Membrane
• Surrounds nucleus
• Made of two layers
• Openings allow
material to enter and
leave nucleus

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Chromosomes
• In nucleus
• Made of DNA
• Contain instructions
for traits &
characteristics

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Nucleolus
• Inside nucleus
• Contains RNA to build
proteins

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Cytoplasm
• Gel-like mixture
• Surrounded by cell membrane
• Contains hereditary material
 Cytoskeleton
• Structure: a network of thin,
fibrous elements made up of
microtubules (hollow tubes)
and microfilaments (threads
made out of actin).
• Function:
-acts as a support system for
organelles.
-maintains cell shape
 Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Moves materials around
in cell
• Smooth type: lacks
ribosomes
• Rough type (pictured):
ribosomes embedded in
surface

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Ribosomes
• Each cell contains
thousands
• Make proteins
• Floating throughout
the cell

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Mitochondria
• Produces energy through
chemical reactions –
breaking down fats &
carbohydrates
• Controls level of water and
other materials in cell
• Recycles and decomposes
proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Golgi Bodies
• Protein 'packaging
plant'
• Move materials within
the cell
• Move materials out of
the cell

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Lysosome
• Digestive 'plant' for
proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates
• Transports undigested
material to cell
membrane for removal
• Cell breaks down if
lysosome explodes

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Vacuoles
• Membrane-bound
sacs for storage,
digestion, and waste
removal
• Contains water
solution
• Help plants maintain
shape

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html
 Chloroplast
• Usually found in plant
cells
• Contains green
chlorophyll
• Where
photosynthesis takes
place

http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html