The cell: structure and function

In short: The cell is the smallest living unit. All living things consist of one or many cells. A distinction is made between cells without a nucleus (bacteria) and with a nucleus (animals, plants, fungi).

In more detail: A human consists of about 30 to 40 trillion cells.

In detail

• Cell membrane: Surrounds the cell and regulates exchange of substances.
• Nucleus: Contains the genetic material (DNA) (dna-und-gene).
• Mitochondria: “Power plants” that provide energy.
• Ribosomes: Build proteins according to the blueprint of the genes.
• Plant cells: Additionally cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis and a large vacuole (fotosynthese).
• Cell division: Cells multiply by division (mitose-und-meiose).
• Specialisation: Nerve, muscle, blood and skin cells fulfil different tasks (herz-und-kreislauf).
• Microscope: Cells are visible only under the microscope (mikroskop-und-mikroorganismen).