Cells - The Basic Units of Life

NANDAN INFOGRAPHICS

The cell is the basic building block of all living

organisms. It is the smallest unit of an organism that
can carry out the functions of life. Robert Hooke was
one of the first people to observe cells using his own
compound microscope in 1663.
Some cells are single, bacteria self-sustaining organisms
such as amoebas and bacteria; others cells are part of
multicellular organisms and cannot survive alone.

Ribosomes Bacteria Amoeba Paramecium

Cell wall
Bacteria are the most abundant organisms on Earth. They thrive in diverse
DNA conditions and places, including our bodies. Bacteria are single celled
organisms. They are considered prokaryotes, since their DNA is in the
Cell membrane cytoplasm and not within a nucleus.
Bacteria

Animal Cell Nucleus is the control center of the

cell. It houses the nucleolus and the
The structures within the cell
are known as organelles which
carry out specific functions.
Chromatin contains the genetic
material that is used for
directing the cell functions.
Cytoplasm is a gel-like substance
containing the organelles.
Nuclear pores allow materials to
pass in and out of the nucleus.
genetic material (chromatin). Nucleolus is the site where
ribosomes are made.
Nuclear envelope is a
membrane which surrounds
and protects the nucleus.
Endoplasmic reticulum is a
transport system of tubes
and channels connecting
organelles in the cell.

Golgi bodies are organelles that Ribosomes are the factories

direct different materials made in that produce proteins
the cell to where they need to go. needed by the cell.

Lysosome contains chemicals Mitochondrion is a rod like

(enzymes) that break down and structure that converts the
recycle harmful materials. energy in food molecules to a
form that the cell can use.
Cell membrane is the gate keeper of
the cell that controls the passage of
materials into and out of the cell.

Inside Cell

Glycoprotein

Plant Cell
Vacuoles are sacs that
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll
contain water and store
which captures energy from the
nutrients and waste
Sun and uses it to produce food
Lipid b products.
ilayer for the plant in a process known
as photosynthesis.

Outside Cell Protein

Cell wall is a rigid outer
layer of plant cells that
provides support.
Specialized Cells
The human body consists of trillions of cells, including some
200 different cell types that vary greatly in size, shape, and
function. Sperm cells are the tiniest human cells, a few
micrometers wide (1/12,000 of an inch); whereas the longest
cells, the neurons that run from the tip of the big toe to the
spinal cord, can be as long as several feet in an average adult!

Skin cells Nerve cell Blood cells

(neuron)