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The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, enclosed by a selectively permeable membrane.
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all forms of life. It is typically composed of a selectively permeable cell (plasma) membrane that encloses cytoplasm containing genetic material. Most cells are microscopic, can replicate, and can synthesize proteins; some specialized cells are motile. Cells are grouped into two major types: prokaryotes and eukaryotes, which differ mainly in the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles. Prokaryotes (including bacteria and archaea) are single-celled and generally lack a nucleus, using a nucleoid region instead. They are usually smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells and may have specialized structures such as flagella/pili for movement and communication. Eukaryotes have a nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane and contain multiple membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria for energy and chloroplasts in plants for photosynthesis). Multicellular organisms are made of many different cell types (somatic cells), while gametes are haploid. Cells carry out essential life processes such as cell division (binary fission in prokaryotes; mitosis/meiosis in eukaryotes), signaling, protein targeting, DNA repair, growth and metabolism, protein synthesis (transcription and translation), and motility. Programmed cell death and other death pathways help maintain organismal health. Cells likely emerged about four billion years ago, and the origin of cells is tied to the broader origin of life, potentially involving early self-replicating molecules such as RNA.
The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms, enclosed by a selectively permeable membrane.
Life is organized into prokaryotes (no membrane-bound nucleus; nucleoid region) and eukaryotes (membrane-bound nucleus and multiple organelles).
Cells perform core processes including replication/division, signaling, protein synthesis, metabolism, DNA repair, motility, and regulated cell death.
Eukaryotic multicellular organisms are composed of many differentiated somatic cell types, while gametes are haploid.
Cells likely appeared around 4 billion years ago, with their origin connected to early self-replicating chemistry (possibly RNA-based).
A selectively permeable boundary that encloses the cytoplasm and regulates transport of substances into and out of the cell.
A single-celled organism (bacteria and archaea) that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, using a nucleoid region for genetic material.
A cell type that has a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, and can be single-celled or multicellular.
The region in prokaryotic cells where DNA is located, since there is no membrane-bound nucleus.
Diploid cells that make up the body of animals and plants, excluding haploid gametes.
The process by which cells communicate with themselves, other cells, and their environment using ligands, receptors, and signals.
The mechanism that transports proteins to the correct intracellular compartments or to the cell exterior.
Enzyme-based processes that detect and correct DNA damage to maintain genome integrity and prevent harmful mutations.
The production of proteins from amino acids using information encoded in DNA/RNA, typically involving transcription and translation.
A controlled process by which cells die naturally as part of development and tissue maintenance.
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