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Science of Water : Concepts and Applications

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<strong>Water</strong> Biology 127<br />

Cells exist in a very great variety <strong>of</strong> sizes <strong>and</strong> shapes, as well as functions. The cell is the smallest<br />

functioning unit <strong>of</strong> a living thing that still has the characteristics <strong>of</strong> the whole organism. Size<br />

ranges from bacteria too small to be seen with the light microscope to the largest single cell<br />

known, the ostrich egg. Microbial cells also have an extensive size range, some being larger than<br />

human cells.<br />

√ Interesting Point: The small size <strong>of</strong> a cell is limited by the volume capable <strong>of</strong> holding genetic<br />

material, proteins, etc., which are necessary to carry out the basic cell functions <strong>and</strong> reproduction.<br />

The large size <strong>of</strong> a cell is limited by metabolism. A cell must take in adequate amounts <strong>of</strong><br />

oxygen <strong>and</strong> nutrients <strong>and</strong> get rid <strong>of</strong> wastes.<br />

TYPES OF CELLS<br />

Mitochondrion<br />

FIGURE 5.2 Animal cell.<br />

Lysosome<br />

Cytoplasm<br />

Centrosome<br />

Ribosomes<br />

Cell membrane<br />

Nucleus<br />

Cells are <strong>of</strong> two fundamental types, prokaryotic <strong>and</strong> eukaryotic. Prokaryotic (meaning before<br />

nucleus) cells are simpler in design from eukaryotic cells, possessing neither a nucleus nor the<br />

organelles (i.e., internal cell structures, each <strong>of</strong> which has a specifi c function within the cells) found<br />

in the cytoplasm <strong>of</strong> eukaryotic (meaning true nucleus) cells. Because prokaryotes do not have a<br />

nucleus, DNA is in a “nucleiod” region. With the exception <strong>of</strong> archaebacteria, proteins are not associated<br />

with bacterial DNA. Bacteria are the best known <strong>and</strong> the most studied form <strong>of</strong> prokaryotic<br />

organisms (see Figure 5.3).<br />

√ Important Point: Cells may exist as independent units, e.g., the protozoa, or as parts <strong>of</strong> multicellular<br />

organisms from which the cells may develop specializations <strong>and</strong> form tissues <strong>and</strong><br />

organs with specifi c purposes.

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