Cell Structure: The Basic unit of life (prokaryotic, eukaryotic cells)

Cells are the basic unit of life, and they come in many different shapes and sizes. Each cell has a unique structure that helps it perform its specific functions. There are two main types of Cells: Prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic Cells.

Prokaryotic Cells:

These are single celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane bound organelles. These are typically smaller in size than eukaryotic cells. The most well known example of prokaryotes are bacteria. The genetic material in prokaryotic cells is found in a single, circular chromosome, and the cell's cytoplasm is filled with ribosomes, which are responsible for making proteins.

Eukaryotic Cells:

These are more complex than prokaryotic cells, and they are found in multi-cellular organisms like plants, animals and fungi. Eukaryotic celss have a nucleus which is surrounded by a double membrane and contains the cell's genetic material. Other membrane-bound organelles like the mitochodria (which generate energy for the cell), the endoplasmic reticulum (which is involved in protein synthesis) and the Golgi Apparatus (which modifies and packages protein for export), can also be found within eukaryotic cells.

The Cell Membrane:

All Cells have a cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, which seperates the cell's interior from the outside enviornment. The cell membrane is made up of a lipid bilayer, a double layer of phospholipid molecules that provides a selectively permeable barrier. This means that the membrane only allows certain molecules to pass through, while others are blocked.

The Cytoskeleton:

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that gives the cell its shape and helps in maintain its structure. It also plays a role in cell division, movement, and the transportation of molecules within the cell.

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