Functions of a Cell
The below mentioned are some of the functions of a cell:
- Structure and Support: Cells provide the structural basis of all organisms.
- Growth: Cells are responsible for the growth of the organism.
- Transport: Cells transport the nutrients that are used in the different chemical processes which take place inside them. As a result of these processes, a waste product is produced. Cells then work to get rid of this waste. In this manner, small molecules like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethanol pass through the cell membrane by diffusion. This method is known as passive transport. On the other hand, the larger molecules like the proteins and polysaccharides, go in and out of the cell via active transport.
- Energy Production: Organisms need energy to perform different chemical reactions. In plants, the energy comes from the process of photosynthesis while in animals the energy comes via respiration.
- Metabolism: The cell is responsible for the metabolism which includes all the chemical reactions that take place inside an organism to keep it alive.
- Reproduction: A cell helps in reproduction through the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
Cell – Structure and Function
The cell is the fundamental and structural unit of all forms of life. Every cell is made up of cytoplasm that is enclosed in a membrane and includes many small molecules of nutrients and metabolites as well as many macromolecules including proteins, DNA, and RNA. The term “cell” is derived from the Latin word cellula, which means “small room.” In this article, we will learn about cell theory, types of cells, the structure and function of cells, and the diagram of cells.
Table of Content
- Cell Definition
- What is Cell in Biology?
- Labeled Diagram of a Cell
- Discovery of Cell
- Cell Theory
- Types of Cells
- Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Diagram
- Structure of Cell
- Cell Organelles
- Characteristics of Cells
- Functions of a Cell