Fundamentals of Cell Structure and Organ Systems

📋 Course Outline

1. Cell structure and function
2. Organisation of organisms and organ systems
3. Infection and response to pathogens
4. Bioenergetics: photosynthesis and respiration
5. Homeostasis, the nervous system, and hormonal coordination
6. Inheritance, variation, and evolution

📖 1. Cell structure and function

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Eukaryotic cell : a type of cell characterized by the presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, which compartmentalize various cellular processes, allowing for complex functions within the cell.

• Prokaryotic cell : a type of cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, generally smaller and simpler in structure, with genetic material freely floating within the cytoplasm.

• Cell membrane : a biological membrane that surrounds the cell, acting as a selective barrier that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell, thereby maintaining the internal environment.

📝 Essential Points

• Eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus, which houses the cell’s genetic material, distinguishing them from prokaryotic cells that do not have a nucleus. In addition, eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes, which perform specific functions necessary for the cell’s survival and activity. Prokaryotic cells, on the other hand, lack these membrane-bound structures, making them structurally simpler.