UNIT I: CELL MODULE

General Biology 1
First Semester | 2020-2021

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

Topics:
1. Cell Basic Principles
2. Cell Theory

CELL BASIC PRINCIPLES

Cells are the simplest unit of matter that is living. The two primary kinds of cells are eukaryotic cells,
which have a true nucleus containing DNA and prokaryotic cells, which have no true nucleus. In prokaryotic
cells, the DNA is coiled up in a region called the nucleoid.

All living organisms in the kingdoms of life are composed of and depend on cells to function normally.
Not all cells, however, are alike. There are two primary types of cells: eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Examples of eukaryotic cells include animal cells, plant cells, and fungal cells. Prokaryotic
cells include bacteria and Achaeans.

Cells contain organelles, or tiny cellular structures, that carry out specific functions necessary for normal
cellular operation. Cells also contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), the genetic
information necessary for directing cellular activities.

Cell Reproduction

Eukaryotic cells grow and reproduce through a

complex sequence of events called the cell cycle.
At the end of the cycle, cells will divide either
through the processes of mitosis or meiosis.
Somatic cells replicate through mitosis and sex
cells reproduce via meiosis. Prokaryotic cells
reproduce commonly through a type of asexual
reproduction called binary fission. Higher
organisms are also capable of asexual
reproduction. Plants, algae, and fungi reproduce
through the formation of reproductive cells
called spores. Animal organisms can reproduce
asexually through processes such as budding,
fragmentation, regeneration,
and parthenogenesis.

Figure 2. Spirogyra Conjugation

Cellular Processes

Photosynthesis and Respiration

Cells perform a number of important processes that are necessary for the survival of an organism. Cells
undergo the complex process of cellular respiration in order to obtain energy stored in the nutrients
consumed. Photosynthetic organisms including plants, algae, and cyanobacteria are capable
of photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, light energy from the sun is converted to glucose. Glucose is the energy
source used by photosynthetic organisms and other organisms that consume photosynthetic organisms.
1 | STEM – General Biology 1 Module Unit I: Cell
 UNIT I: CELL MODULE
General Biology 1
First Semester | 2020-2021

Figure 3. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Endocytosis and Exocytosis

Cells also perform the active transport processes

of endocytosis and exocytosis. Endocytosis is the
process of internalizing and digesting substances,
such as seen with macrophages and bacteria.
The digested substances are expelled through
exocytosis. These processes also allow for
molecule transportation between cells.

Figure 4. Exocytosis and Endocytosis

Cell Migration

Cell migration is a process that is vital for the

development of tissues and organs. Cell
movement is also required for mitosis and
cytokinesis to occur. Cell migration is made
possible by interactions between motor enzymes
and cytoskeleton microtubules

Figure 5. Mitosis

2 | STEM – General Biology 1 Module Unit I: Cell

 UNIT I: CELL MODULE
General Biology 1
First Semester | 2020-2021

DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis

The cell process of DNA replication is an important function that is needed for several processes
including chromosome synthesis and cell division to occur. DNA transcription and RNA translation make the
process of protein synthesis possible.

Figure 6. Central Dogma (Brent Cornell)

CELL THEORY

The word cell was first used by Robert Hooke (1635–1703) when he looked at cork with a simple
microscope and found what appeared to be blocks of material making up the cork.

The term today describes a microscopic unit of life that separates itself from its surroundings by a thin
partition, the cell membrane.

Cell Theory is one of the basic principles of Biology. Credit for the formulation of this theory is given to
German scientists Theodor Schwann, Matthias Schleiden, and Rudolph Virchow.

The Cell Theory states that:

• All living organisms are composed of cells. They may be unicellular or multicellular.
• The cell is the basic unit of structure and function of life.
• Cells arise from pre-existing cells. (They are not derived from spontaneous generation.)

The modern version of the Cell Theory includes the ideas that:

• Energy flow occurs within cells.

• Heredity information (DNA) is passed on from cell to cell.
• All cells have the same basic chemical composition (biological molecules).

In addition to the cell theory, the gene theory, evolution, homeostasis, and the laws of thermodynamics form
the basic principles that are the foundation for the study of life.

Scientist Discovery or contribution to science

Robert Hooke -observed slices of cork (empty compartments)
-identified and named cells
Anton van Leeuwenhoek -used a microscope to observe living cells (cells have organelles)
-could see greater detail due to better lenses
Matthias Schleiden -proposed that plants are made up of cells
Theodor Schwann -concluded that all living things are made up of cells
Rudolph Virchow -proposed that all cells came from other living cells by division

3 | STEM – General Biology 1 Module Unit I: Cell

 UNIT I: CELL MODULE
General Biology 1
First Semester | 2020-2021

Figure 7. Scientists who contributed to the development of Cell Theory

REFERENCES

• Anna Cherylle Morales – Ramos, Jose Tolentino Olivar II: Exploring Life Through Science Series.
Phoenix Publishing house, Inc. 927 Quezon Ave., Quezon City, Philippines.

• Bailey, Regina. 2019. Cell Theory: A Core Principle in Biology. Retrieved May 23, 2019
from https://www.thoughtco.com/cell-theory-373300

• Knowledge Class: Levels of Organization. Retrieved May 23, 2019 from

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com

• Mader, S. S., Windelspecht, M., & Preston, L. (2007). Essentials of biology. McGraw-Hill
higher education.

• Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., & Jackson, R. B.
(2014). Campbell biology (No. s 1309). Boston: Pearson.

• Rey Donne S. Papa, Jonathan Carlo A Briones, Donna May DC Papa, Dino T. Tordesillas: Earth
and Life Science: Knowing and Understanding Nature. Abiva Bldg., 851 Araneta Ave., Quezon City

4 | STEM – General Biology 1 Module Unit I: Cell