Introduction

The cell is the basic unit of life. All the living organisms from single cellular to multicellular are made up by cell which perform all the essential function like conversion of nutrients, growth , development etc. So cell is a structural , functional unit of life and forms part of every living body.

Discovery of cell

Robert Hooke, 1665 observed the dead cell in thin slice of cork by simple microscope. He saw a tiny honeycomb like structure and called cell which means a small box. After that Anton van Leeuwenhoek observed the living cell for first time.

Cell theory

Human cells like skin , blood, nerve, etc. Plant cells like leaf, root etc. Fungi cells, protists cells.

The cell theory is given by the scientist like Schleiden and Schwann it is the principle of biology which states that all living being is made up by cells. Cells are the basic, structural and functional unit of life and all the present cell are comes from pre-existing cells.

Key principle of cell theory

1. All living organisms are made up of one and more than one cell.
2. The cell is basic , structural and functional unit of life.
3. All cells comes from pre-existing cells.

The main categories of cell

The cells are classified in two main groups which is prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells are the primitive and simple cells which do not have true nucleus and other membrane bound cell organelles. They are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Many prokaryotic cells like peptidoglycan have cell wall. They commonly reproduce by binary fission.

Example:

E.coli, Staphylococcus, Thermococcus, Cyanobacteria, Lactobacillus etc.

Eukaryotic cells

Eukaryotic cells are complex cells which have true nucleus and other membrane bound cell organelles. they are larger than prokaryotic cells. They are found in plant , animal, fungi and Protists. They reproduce by mitosis and meiosis.

Example:

Human cells like skin, blood, nerve etc. Plant cells like root, leaf etc. Fungal cells and protists cells.

Importance of cell in living organisms

• Cells are exhibiting characteristics of life.
• Cells carry out all the essential biological reactions of life.
• Cells divides and help in growth and repair.
• They help in responding towards environment.
• Cells have genetic material which transfer from one to another generation.

Conclusion

cells are the building blocks of life. They perform all the function for survival of living.

FAQ’s

Q1. What is cell?

cell is the basic fundamental unit of life.

Q2. Who discover the cell?

Robert Hooke discover the cell.

Q3. Why is cell called basic unit of life?

Because all the essential life process perform by cell.

Q4. What are the main type of cells?

Prokaryotic cells and Eukaryotic cells.

Q5. Who observed the first living cell?

Anton van Leeuwenhoek.