The Cell World

A cell is a unit of life that provides structure for the body, takes in nutrients and transforms them into energy, and performs specialized functions. It also contains DNA, the body’s hereditary material and can make copies of itself.

A nucleus is the cell’s command center. It houses DNA and helps the cell send instructions to grow, mature, divide, or die. It is surrounded by the cell membrane and other structures, including the plasma membrane.

The cytoplasm is a jelly-like fluid inside the cell. It contains other tiny cell parts called organelles, which have specific functions in the cell.

Some of these organelles can float freely in the cytoplasm or are connected to the endoplasmic reticulum (see above). They help process molecules created by the cell, transport those molecules to their destination within the cell, and recycle worn-out cell components.

Mitochondria are complex organelles that convert energy from food into a form that the cell can use. They have their own genetic material, separate from the DNA in the nucleus, and can make copies of themselves.

Ribosomes are organelles that help the cell make proteins. They can float freely in the cytoplasm, be connected to the endoplasmic reticulum, or be attached to the plasma membrane.

A cell cycle describes the stages a cell goes through as it prepares for cell division. It begins with an interphase phase and includes G1 (growth), S (metabolism), and G2 phases before mitotic cell division occurs.